Thierry Henry Quits France, Joins Red Bulls

Thierry Henry has retired from the French national team to settle in the United States and join Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. Henry agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Red Bulls, making the French star the biggest MLS signing since David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

Although Henry is turning 33 in August and is coming off a dismal season with Barcelona, Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler believes the French striker can still contribute to the team’s goal of winning its first-ever MLS cup title. “He’s very motivated. He’s finally fit and, of course, the class and experience that he brings to this team, for us it’s amazing,” Solera said.

Henry has vowed to give all his got and to focus on delivering wins for New York, saying that he retired from the French national team so that he would not need to keep traveling. “I wanted to be able to come here and be here…I’m 100 percent committed to the club and I want to be here every day,” said Henry, who ended his international career as France’s top goal scorer with 51 goals.