Last summer Thierry Henry left behind adoring hordes of Arsenal fans to become the new star signing of European giants Barcelona. Despite leaving behind legendary status in north London, the move appeared, on the face of it, the stuff that dreams are made of.

In reality, the switch to Spain has been much more difficult for the mercurial Frenchman. Attempting to play through early injury problems made it hard for him to make his mark, a fact that Henry readily recognises:

"I had only just arrived, and I wanted to play more than anything else. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part. I knew I couldn't play but sometimes your heart - and the fact that you're wearing the Barça shirt and playing in the Camp Nou for this club - makes you forget almost everything and just try to do your very best. All the same, you can't give it 100 per cent." 

'I miss Highbury, the boss, the changing room, and the guys at the training ground'


In addition to a troubled time on the pitch, Henry has had personal problems to deal with off it. His much-publicised divorce last year led to the break-up of his family, meaning the time he can spend with his two-year-old daughter Tea, who still lives in London, is extremely limited.

Despite a far from ideal personal situation, Henry has no complaints with the quality of life in Barcelona. He has also quickly recognised the responsibility that comes with playing for a club that has come to be the badge of identity for the region. 
 
With the way Henry reveres the quality of life in Spain, it seems difficult to believe that there is much he would miss about the time he spent in England. He does however, and while it is difficult for him to pinpoint one particular aspect of life at Arsenal, it is clear that he will always hold his time there very close to his heart:

"There isn't really one thing in particular I miss about Arsenal. I will always miss everything, because when you play eight years at a club - and you have such a strong bond with the fans and the club as a whole - you are always going to miss it. I miss Highbury, the boss, the changing room, and the guys at the training ground."

While Henry has stopped short of predicting a return to the Premier League one day, he is looking forward to resuming hostilities with old foes Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final and Henry, often a thorn in United’s side during his Arsenal days, is predicting a titanic battle.

He does concede that their opponents go into the tie as favourites, but he feels that will count for little over the two legs: “At the moment they're flying, but you never know in football - hopefully for us, they will have a bad day when we play them."

An appearance in the Champions League final next month would be a fantastic end to what has been a mixed first season for Henry in Spain. But with form improving, and the goals beginning to flow again, it would be a brave man who would bet against him upsetting the odds and claiming that elusive Champions League winners medal.