Arsenal exerted huge influence across the globe in the early 2000s due to certain superstar players.
The Gunners had a plethora of talented stars that inspired the era, including the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira.
However, Thierry Henry grabbed more attention than most with his stunning work on the pitch, and many point to the iconic Frenchman as the man who made them warm to the beautiful game.
Mostly inspiring a generation of French players and Londoners, a surprising figure has come forward and cited Henry as a player he enjoyed watching and looked up to.
Alisson Becker reveals he has affiliation to Arsenal and Thierry Henry
Alisson Becker produced a monstrous performance for Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday night against Paris Saint-Germain, making nine saves as the Reds claimed an iconic smash and grab victory.
Arsenal thrashed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 the night prior and could end up facing the Merseysiders if they overcome one of the Madrid teams in the quarter-final.
Speaking to CBS Sports after the game at the Parc des Princes, Alisson revealed he used to watch Arsenal when growing up in Brazil.
Asked who his favourite member of the broadcaster’s panel was, the goalkeeper responded: “I would have to say Thierry Henry, a legend as well.
“When I was growing up, I watched a lot of Arsenal, it was early 2000s, it was the only team that was showing on the open TV in Brazil.”
Alisson’s admiration for Arsenal will certainly surprise fans given his deep-rooted connections to Liverpool, although it further reinforces the magnitude of Henry’s gravitas in the game.
Arsenal fans are upset with Thierry Henry’s Mikel Arteta comments
While Henry continues to be loved in the wider footballing world, some Arsenal fans were upset with his criticism of Mikel Arteta and the Spaniard’s team prior to the PSV game this week.
Henry told Arteta what he needs to do to win the Champions League after the clash with the Dutch side, but before it, the legendary striker was highly-critical of the Gunners’ recent performances.
“How come now you don’t create anymore?” he said.
“Yes, you score goals on set-pieces, but when you don’t anymore, you don’t score goals.
“What do you mean [on giving Arteta a pass due to injuries]? Saka was playing before. He was there before, you were not creating. Saka played at Atalanta, zero shots on target. That’s what I meant.”
Arsenal fans were quick to defend Arteta, with some accusing Henry of being jealous of the Gunners’ boss being in the Emirates dugout.
While Henry has untouchable status in N5 due to what he gave Arsenal in his playing career, some supporters are growing increasingly frustrated by his willingness to critique the current team at any given opportunity.
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