In a candid revelation, Thierry Henry shared an enlightening experience from his early days at FC Barcelona that underscored the club's deep-rooted values. During a recent appearance on the 'Stick to Football' podcast, the French football legend recounted an incident that highlighted the essence of Barcelona's motto, "Més que un club" (More than a club).
Henry, who joined Barcelona in 2007 after a distinguished tenure at Arsenal, was still acclimating to his new environment. One day, while ascending the stairs of the Camp Nou with teammate Samuel Eto'o, Henry remarked skeptically about the club's motto. Unbeknownst to him, Xavi Hernández was nearby and overheard the comment. Xavi confronted Henry, stating, "Don't talk about my club like this, you've never won anything here. Shut up, work, and when you win something one day, you can talk about it."
At that moment, Henry, taken aback, chose not to respond—a rare occurrence for the outspoken striker. Instead, he acknowledged Xavi's words and offered a sincere apology. Over time, as Henry integrated into the team and experienced both victories and defeats with Barcelona, he came to understand the profound significance of the club's ethos. This lesson, imparted by Xavi, became a cornerstone of Henry's Barcelona journey, culminating in a historic treble during the 2008–09 season.
This anecdote serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Barcelona's values and the mentorship that players like Xavi provide to their teammates. It also highlights the importance of humility and respect within the footballing world.
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