Henry’s 5,000-mile visit to Muamba a credit to Arsenal family

THIERRY Henry has got a lot on his plate it’s fair to say. A hectic professional life and a busy personal life. He’s a superstar footballer jetting all over the US of A to represent the New York Red Bulls in the MLS.

So you would expect no more from Henry than to at least deliver a heartfelt public tribute to stricken former Arsenal team-mate Fabrice Muamba as he continues his remarkable recovery after suffering a heart attack playing for Bolton against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup at the weekend. It would be the least he could do after all.

Everyone in football has shown the love in a massive fashion – as have those from all walks of life – and we know the midfielder’s family and close friends have taken great comfort from the huge amount of support he is receiving in his hours of need. Arsene Wenger has spoken of the great affection so many people at the Arsenal have for Muamba.

And Henry falls into that category, as well, it seems. As a member of the Arsenal family he too wanted to demonstrate just how important is it to cherish the important things in life.. So it comes as no surprise that he did far, far more than simply issue a sound bite statement offering his prayers and urging Muamba, 23, to win his critical battle.

Instead, he got on a plane and flew around 5,000 miles from Salt Lake City to the Big Apple and then on to London to visit Muamba in person for an hour or so at the London Chest Hospital.

His actions say bundles about Henry. It speaks volumes about the Arsenal family’s bond cultivated under Wenger. But it says even more about Muamba.

Once a Gooner…

Get well, Fabrice.

CARL ELDRIDGE – on Twitter @eldomedia