Football: Henry denied Arsenal farewell

'I wanted to do it and I’m sure the fans would’ve wanted to see it, stupid rules' says Henry.

LONDON: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was denied the chance to make a farewell appearance for his former club in the Emirates Cup. Henry had agreed with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he would switch teams for the last five minutes of a friendly between his current club New York Red Bulls and the Gunners. But the referee had to refuse permission because Fifa rules state that a player cannot appear for both clubs in the same game. “I wanted to do it and I’m sure the fans would’ve wanted to see it, stupid rules,” said an emotional Henry. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2011.