More support comes for Ronaldinho. French goal-king Thierry Henry shows some love.


Thierry Henry has been in the spotlight and has remained there ever since. Sometimes though, the pressure to outdo himself was immense as even in injury or not, be it in sickness or in health, the fans and media expected him to perform miracles on the pitch. This is the situation Henry's team mate at FC Barcelona, none other than Brazilian super star Ronaldinho finds himself in, as the midfield dynamo battles injury and fitness amidst a watching world. Thierry has seen it all, and shows sympathy and solidarity with Ronnie Henry said:

I know what it feels like when everyone expects something impossible from great players like Ronaldinho. The pressure is immense. Ronaldinho is an impressive player who changed the history of this club. When things aren't going well, it's his image that stands out. I find it an absolute pleasure to play with him. I can't explain it. For me, Ronaldinho will always be one of the best players in the history of soccer.

Henry's sensational exit from Arsenal FC was the biggest summer news this year, and his arrival at Barcelona along with his kingly welcome to Camp Nou was televised globally. Thierry has now settled down to life in the city of Barcelona and speaks of his adjustment and experience so far:

Life here is wonderful. Everybody's given me an excellent welcome. The club is like a family, and from the second you arrive you know that you're in Catalunya, rather than just Spain. Aside from that, the city is fabulous, just like the stadium and the team. Everybody is friendly, even beyond the players. The fans have been good, too. The always turn up at training sessions. It was a shock to me at first

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Thierry Henry scored his first official goal for Barca in the 3-0 victory over Olympique Lyon in the Champions League. The French soccer king is one goal short of equaling the all time top scorer in French international matches, a record held by Michel Platini.

Thierry Henry says his best is yet to come.


FC Barcelona star man, Thierry Henry has spoken out on his form and fitness, predicting his eventual return to full form will be complete in about two months time, by which time his muscular therapy and healing would have been complete. The French man sustained an injury while at Arsenal FC, an injury which has been prolonged and lasted for longer than expected, keeping the goal merchant out of the merchandise in goal scoring, a trade Henry is well familiar with and an expert by world class standard. On his current form, Henry says:

I still feel like I am playing on just one leg. I need to work to build the muscles on my left. I am lucky to have full support from the Barcelona staff, which is fantastic. I had not played for six months, so before coming back usually you need two months of hard work. I joined up with the Barcelona side immediately, and I had not played previously since March. So I believe it will take two months for me to get back to my best, I think this is a reasonable amount of time.

Speaking about his position and the effect its having on his game, the former Arsenal striker, who started out on the left wing when he first arrived North London, but was converted to a central striker by Arsenal's coach Arsene Wenger says:

I am playing as a left winger, sometimes in the centre and sometimes on the right. I am having to adapt. After eight years in the centre it is not always easy. But at first I will try to regain my comfort on the pitch.

Perhaps Henry's first official goal for Barca against Lyon in the Champions League is a first sign that the adaptation is progressing well.

Milito Vs Madrid saga continues.


Gabriel Milito and Real Madrid may have a short history behind them, but not one that is quite filled with roses and sweet songs. The Argentine was dubiously dubbed as an injured player on the transfer market when he was almost signed by Madrid some years ago. Real Madrid cancelled the contract at the last minute, claiming its medical team made a great discovery by finding out Milito was injured. Gaby went on to star for an unbroken period for Real Zaragoza, without any problems. Now at Barca, the strong player hopes to continue his impressive run. Rumours emerged over the summer that Real wanted to mend fences with Gaby, and even offered to sign the defender after an ofer from Barca was mentioned. Milito finally comments on this:

Moving to Madrid was a non-option. I don't think I would have even considered joining Madrid. At Barca, we have the best players in the world. I am satisfied here. Any ambitious player always desires to play for the best team in the world and this is what I have found at Barca. I do not envy anyone playing for Madrid. Real never made an offer for me to join them, but even if they did, I would never have considered it.

Milito joined FC Barcelona over the summer as a buffer to the Blaugrana defence.

Toure Yaya is ready to fly high with FC Barcelona.


Barcelona signed Toure Yaya over the summer and though previously not so known in the limelight, Toure has within a short spate of time in the Asian tour by Barca, displayed his immense skills and potentials to tie down a shirt in FC Barcelona, like he did in Monaco. The Ivorien is not conscious of the prospects of any unhealthy competition with his positional teammates, and rather sees the company of Deco, Xavi, Iniesta, Motta, Marquez and Edmilson as an added advantage to improve his game. Yaya said:

Xavi, Deco and Iniesta are three big players, and with all of them, we will have a good season. To play alongside these players is very easy.

On how he believed he will perform on Sunday if he playes, Toure replied:

I’ll give my answer on pitch. It’s normal to have to adapt when you arrive at a new club, but I’ve also come here to learn. This Sunday’s game will give us the chance to demonstrate what we are capable of.

Arch-rivals, Real Madrid recently acquired Arjen Robben from Chelsea FC and Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United. Will these quality left-footers pose any threat to Barcelona's chances of winning the La Liga? Toure thinks it's only normal for Madrid to have gone for the players:

A club that wants quality players has to spend. What’s most important though is that these players perform on pitch. They’re talented players, however, we have to think about us and we’re convinced we can achieve success.

On being at Barca and what influenced his decision to leave Monaco where he was king, Toure Yaya said:

I’ve decided to come here not because the game is not so physical, but because of the quality of football. I think I’ll do ok.

The fight for Deco continues both in and out of Camp Nou.


FC Barcelona's Portuguese star, Deco has been made a top priority by Serie A defending Champions, Inter Milan. The Milan club president Massimo Moratti has reportedly asked Inter's coach Roberto Mancini to sign Deco. Moratti, believing Deco will cost around 12 million Euros, was said to have informed the president, who is ready to foot the bill. Deco is also on the cards of English Premiership club, Newcastle United. However, although 12 million Euros has been left on FC Barcelona's table by the Italians, Barca may likely not pick up the money as the Blaugrana don't want to tarde Deco just yet. Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta has maintained Deco is not leaving Camp Nou and recent developments indicate the Portuguese star is staying. Despite all these, Inter want to push one more time for the services of the midfielder as the end to the transfer season nears to a close after August.