Arsenal's All time Top scorer Henry On going MLS, " this marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life "

Imagine, being feted as the greatest while still very much doing what you are being celebrated for. I am not talking about winning FIFA World player awards, being top scorer in the World's most famous league or even on numerous occasions earning the respect of fellow professionals and being awarded the PFA award.

These are, forgive me, ordinary everyday awards that gifted players are expected to pick somewhere along their career. After all they are meant to do just that:- Award the exceptionally gifted among the bunch.
What I have in mind is the coveted honor of being recognized as one, a player, who defined the history, path , essence and ideals of a football club. Among your peers are others who are long gone- the ilk of Cliff Bastin and Liam Brady.

The above image, part of Arsenal's ' Arsenalization'  project carried out last year (sometime in October 2009)  in an effort to make the new home of Arsenal football at Ashburton Groove have the 'feel of home' of the previous home stadium at Highbury bears testimony to this.

Thierry Henry, France's top scorer and the holder of a similar record with his 226 goals in Arsenal colors finally left Spanish side Barcelona and signed a several year deal with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls in a move that underlines the continual rise of American soccer,  which in now boasts of stars like David Beckham and London Donovan.

For a player blessed with blistering speed, but who refused to carry the ubiquitous tag of only being  'a pacy forward',  it is not hard to see why his services and experience are still needed even at the prime age of 32.

His first task? A preseason match against Champions League finalists and Arsenal's North London rivals- Tottenham Hotspurs on 22nd July 2010.