French soccer legend Thierry Henry is currently in Colombia’s second city Medellin training with local team Atletico Nacional on what could be described as a “working holiday.”
Henry, who last year pocketed a $5 million dollar paycheck making him the highest paid player in Major League Soccer, came to Medellin to train with former Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel, currently signed with Atletico Nacional.
The 35-year old French striker does not have a match with his U.S. team until June 23 and is training with the Colombian side as a way to keep his fitness up in the meantime, according to reports.
Henry who is currently captain of New York Red Bulls, came to Colombia after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps and is not expected to play in his teams match against New England Revolution on June 12. Henry has scored six goals in 13 games with his U.S. team, which had an eight-game unbeaten run before Sunday’s defeat to the Canadians.
The French World Cup winner came to Medellin at the invitation of former team-mate Angel who is going to show him around, according to reports. “I have spoken to him of the people and the city,” Angel told media Tuesday. “The idea of this visit is to make him feel comfortable and enjoy his stay … He is a player who has won everything and is one of the best in the world ..” said Angel.
According to those who went Tuesday to watch the striker, who was one of the top scorers for British club Arsenal and also his home country France, he played as a normal member of Atletico Nacional and the legend was treated as just another member of the team.
While reports in the US remind fans not to panic as the arrangement is only temporary, some followers have expressed concern that Henry may be led astray by the “enticing Colombian beauties” Medellin is famous for.
Sources
- Thierry Henry is training in Colombia … what? wait! (Pro Soccer Talk)
- Thierry Henry rips New York red Bulls performance (MLS Soccer)
- Thierry Henry se entrena en el Atletico Nacional de Colombia (El Comercio)
