Henry visit rekindles Arsenal glory days

Former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry arrives for the Press briefing at the Villa Rosa Kempinsky Hotel. [Photo: Elvis Ogina. Standard]

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, still has the aura of greatness that made him one of the most famous and adored footballers not only in Kenya, but across the world.

For local supporters of Arsenal, where he made his name and indeed the English Premier League (EPL), his arrival in the country for a two-day visit as the global ambassador of Guinness Made in Black promotion felt like a pilgrimage.

Here was the man, who perhaps more than most, contributed to the enduring love affair between Kenyans and EPL when his beloved Arsenal were a force and he was the deadliest striker of that generation.

“I’ve only been here for one and half days but already, the hospitality of the people of Kenya I heard about before coming here is true,” Henry said on Friday.

Four years after he hang up his boots with New York Red Bulls, Henry has not lost any of the swagger that made him loved or loathed in equal measure by local EPL fans depending on their club affiliations.

But make no mistake, the mutual admiration for his skills remains an enduring reminder of the era when Arsenal grew to be the most-supported English club in the country.

Those who got a chance to interact with the legend who also played for AS Monaco, Juventus and Barcelona knew they were in the presence of greatness.

Henry’s enduring charm was evident and his booming voice has not lost any of the command that has turned the assistant Belgium coach into a revered television football pundit.

Despite his stature and of course, the menacing security men who never left his side, Henry took his time to interact, abandoning the tent set up for him at KCB Grounds in Ruaraka to watch the community teams play.

Waiyaki Way beat Bungoma 1-0 to emerge the victors, but a player on the losing side touched the Arsenal great.

“There was this player (from Bungoma) who travelled for nine hours just to come and play in the game and he has made me see the realities in life.

 “We often complain so much in Europe, the French love complaining but coming here and seeing a man who probably has no choice but travel for the game is inspiring.

“Thank you for bringing me here to get the real perspective and to learn such an important lesson,” Henry who scored 175 goals for Arsenal said.