By FRANCO PANIZO
Two days after saying Thierry Henry would not return to the New York Red Bulls in 2015, Gerard Houllier has done an about-face.
Houllier, the head of global soccer for Red Bull, told French outlet L’Equipe on Saturday that no decision has been made with regards to Henry’s future. The report also stated, without quoting Houllier, that Henry is negotiating a one-year deal with the MLS club.
Houllier’s comments mark yet another twist in the saga that is Henry’s uncertain future. The 37-year-old striker’s contract with the Red Bulls runs out at the end of the season, and he has not yet publicly stated whether he will continue to play or hang up his cleats for good.
New York head coach Mike Petke told reporters Friday that he did not have an inclination as to what decision his captain will make this offseason.
“I’ve said it all along, my understanding, and it’s a fact that nobody knows what Thierry is going to do,” said Petke. “Thierry’s going to make that decision and announce that or don’t announce that whenever he feels comfortable with. I have not got that indication one way or the other.
“Thierry’s focusing on every game and he’s been a professional about it. He doesn’t want to get wrapped up in that stuff, and, like I said, he will let the world know if chooses to when he wants to.”
The Red Bulls are in the midst of trying to lock down a postseason berth. They currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and host the Houston Dynamo in their fourth-to-last match of the regular season on Saturday night.
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What do you make of this about-face from Houllier? Still expecting Henry to leave the Red Bulls? Think there is a chance he could come back.
Share your thoughts below.
Not an NYRB fan, but I’d love to see Henry in the league one more year, especially to kick-off the rivalry with NYCFC.
I love reading comments from Petke – that man’s meandering statements are almost Palin-esque at times.
+1. I would not be suprprised at this point if he casually confessed to being the third Menendez brother. Then denied it vehemently 6 hours later..
His wordplay is pure art
If I’m Henry and I see Dempsey and Bradley getting big pay days of $6-7M per year I’d think I’d deserve to be close to those numbers myself.
absolutely. it’s insane that he wasn’t making 7 million a year when he joined MLS.
Those were different days. In 2010, he was second highest paid behind Beckham.
If he can get 10 (goals) and 5 (assist) or vice versa he demands enough attention and creates enough for other players to be worth one more year
I hope they keep titi and let Cahill go. he’s not worth a DP. last season yes. but this season. whether it’s his fault or petke’s, who knows.