Henry scoops writers prize
Thierry Henry was named Football Writers' Association Player of the Year.
Thierry Henry wrote yet another piece of history when becoming the first player to receive the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year Award three times.The Arsenal captain collected the accolade at a gala dinner held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Arsenal have had a tough time in The Premiership but their march to the UEFA Champions League final under Henry's leadership prompted the Football Writers to hand the Frenchman the award for a third time.
The striker was thrilled with the award, as he commented: "I am very happy to make history here. My dad was pretty harsh when I was young and he told me never to be satisfied with what I had.
"I am still not satisfied.
"It is difficult for me to explain how I feel tonight. It's amazing for me to come here and win this award for a third time."
Henry's future at Arsenal is still in doubt, but he has a fondness for London and paid tribute to the English mentality.
"People have a go at me in France because when I mention home I mention London," he said.
"In this country you live and breathe football and that is something that is missing sometimes.
"Some youngsters do not love the game any more.
"They love what is around the game, but not the game itself. But you always have to have respect for the game and the game will give you something back as it has given me back something today."
He added: "I really hope that you can have another 1966 happen to you. I see the passion you have here for your national team and how much you want them to win.
"You are a nation who loves sport and football and I hope you win the World Cup again because you deserve it.
"People like you deserve to win it."
FWA chairman Paul Hetherington commented: "Henry is a deserving winner in a season when there have been several outstanding candidates.
"Henry's achievement ranks him up there as the greatest player in the 59-year history of the award."
