[Portman]

All the Spanish La Liga 2007/08 talk here!

[misha]

Henry: Why I Left Arsenal For Barcelona

Thierry Henry has revealed that he quit Arsenal to join Barcelona because he could not face life at the Emirates Stadium without David Dein and Arsene Wenger.

Former vice-chairman Dein has already left the club and Wenger has yet to start negotiations over extending his contract which expires next summer.

A £16 million fee for Henry has been agreed with Barcelona, and the Frenchman will have a medical with the club on Monday.

In an open letter to fans published in The Sun, he said: "Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

"Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season.

"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein.

"This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do."

Henry, who has agreed a four-year deal, added: "Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there.

"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin.

"They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club.