Analysis - Henry's departure to Barcelona

Thierry Henry - a legend at Arsenal signed for barca this year to end his fantastic 8 year stint at the north london club. During this time he established himself as a world class striker and got applauded by football pundits all around the planet.

Henry's last season was marred by injuries and he could only manage only a handful of appearance, even though his departure seemed highly unlikely.But he did the unexpected when on June 25, 2007 Henry was transferred to FC Barcelona for a fee of £16.1 million. He signed a four-year deal for a reported £6.8 million per season.

It was also revealed that the contract includes a release clause of €125million. In an open letter to The Sun, Henry cited the departure of David Dein and continued uncertainty over Arsene Wenger's future as reasons for leaving. Henry will wear the number 14 jersey, which is the same as what he wore at Arsenal. But Henry will remain as a legend in Arsenal's history because of some of his unparallel achievements.On 17 October 2005, Henry became the club's top goalscorer of all time; two goals against Sparta Prague meant he broke Ian Wright's record of 185 goals.

On February 1, 2006, he scored a goal against West Ham, bringing his league goal tally up to 151 and thus breaking Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin's league goals record. Henry also scored his 100th league goal at Highbury, a feat unparalleled in the history of the club, and a unique achievement in the Premier League.

His departure to Barcelona will further weaken an Arsenal side which saw the departure of Viera and Pires in the last two years and the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp.A question still remains - will 'Thierry Henry be able to produce the same form he produced at Arsenal??'