Jun 24, 2007 - 10:10 AM
0 shoutsBy Mike Perez and Andy Hampson Special to PA SportsTicker
BARCELONA (Ticker) - Thierry Henry is expected to be unveiled by Barcelona on Monday following his reported $32 million move to the Spanish giants from English powerhouse Arsenal.
The prolific striker is due in Spain on Sunday evening to put the finishing touches to the move.
The 29-year-old Henry will undergo a physical before being presented as the club's first major summer signing on Monday afternoon.
"This Monday, the French striker will undergo his medical at Barcelona's medical center at the Nou Camp and his scheduled presentation will be in the afternoon," a statement from Barcelona read. "All that remains are to smooth out some details of the operation between the three parties involved in the agreement, Arsenal, Barcelona and Thierry Henry."
Barca was keen to sign the Frenchman last summer but the player opted to sign a new four-year contract at Arsenal.
Since then, however, there have been changes at the London club and Henry has cited the departure of vice-chairman David Dein and the uncertainty over manager Arsene Wenger's long-term future as factors in his decision to leave.
Henry has enjoyed a phenomenal eight years at Arsenal, scoring a club record 226 goals in 364 appearances.
The former Monaco player joined the club in the summer of 1999 after a disappointing spell at Italian side Juventus and found his form under the guidance of Wenger.
He won two English Premier League titles, finished as the competition's top scorer four times and collected the English FA Cup three times.
He also appeared in last year's Champions League final when Arsenal was beaten by Barcelona.
"Arsenal will always be in my blood and in my heart and I will always remember you guys," Henry told Arsenal TV. "I said I was going to be a Gunner (Arsenal player) for life, and I didn't lie because, once you are a Gunner, you will always be a Gunner. The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever.
"I am going to miss everybody. It's going to be a huge miss. I will become now an Arsenal fan and look always for their results. I always gave 100 percent. I hope you appreciate what I did here. I appreciated what you did for me."
Henry's departure has fueled speculation that Wenger, the club's successful long-serving manager may not remain beyond the remaining year of his contract.
