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Thierry Henry - Lonely at the Top: A Biography
Kompletna biografia legendy Arsenalu, Barcelony i reprezentacji Francji.
Thierry Henry - utalentowany, charyzmatyczny, światowej klasy piłkarz. Zapisał się w historii futbolu jako legenda Arsenalu i bohater zabójczej drużyny Arsene’a Wengera, której udało się zakończyć dominację Manchesteru United, wygrywając dwa tytuły mistrzowskie i trzy Puchary Anglii. Odegrał również kluczową rolę w zwycięstwie Francji w Mistrzostwach Świata w 1998 roku oraz Mistrzostwach Europy w 2000 roku. Swoją błyskotliwą karierę kontynuował w Barcelonie, gdzie już w pierwszym sezonie zdobył z drużyną potrójną koronę.
Jednakże, co dzieje się teraz z Thierrym Henry? Czemu gra w mało znanym amerykańskim klubie, hańbiąc jednocześnie siebie i swoją drużynę podczas Mistrzostw Świata w 2010 roku? Kim jest prawdziwy Thierry Henry?
Philippe Auclair stworzył najbardziej kompletny portret bohatera Arsenalu, jaki kiedykolwiek został napisany. Pisząc historię legendy Arsenalu przeprowadził niezliczoną ilość wywiadów, ale bacznie obserwował i analizował całą karierę Henry'ego. Autor uzyskał wyłączny dostęp do najbliższego grona bliskich i przyjaciół piłkarza, dzięki czemu mógł stworzyć biografię tak surową w wymowie, tak skłaniającą do refleksji i szokującą zarazem, jak radosny i wybitny jest talent oraz zamiłowanie do piłki Henry'ego.
Thierry Henry - utalentowany, charyzmatyczny, światowej klasy piłkarz. Zapisał się w historii futbolu jako legenda Arsenalu i bohater zabójczej drużyny Arsene’a Wengera, której udało się zakończyć dominację Manchesteru United, wygrywając dwa tytuły mistrzowskie i trzy Puchary Anglii. Odegrał również kluczową rolę w zwycięstwie Francji w Mistrzostwach Świata w 1998 roku oraz Mistrzostwach Europy w 2000 roku. Swoją błyskotliwą karierę kontynuował w Barcelonie, gdzie już w pierwszym sezonie zdobył z drużyną potrójną koronę.
Jednakże, co dzieje się teraz z Thierrym Henry? Czemu gra w mało znanym amerykańskim klubie, hańbiąc jednocześnie siebie i swoją drużynę podczas Mistrzostw Świata w 2010 roku? Kim jest prawdziwy Thierry Henry?
Philippe Auclair stworzył najbardziej kompletny portret bohatera Arsenalu, jaki kiedykolwiek został napisany. Pisząc historię legendy Arsenalu przeprowadził niezliczoną ilość wywiadów, ale bacznie obserwował i analizował całą karierę Henry'ego. Autor uzyskał wyłączny dostęp do najbliższego grona bliskich i przyjaciół piłkarza, dzięki czemu mógł stworzyć biografię tak surową w wymowie, tak skłaniającą do refleksji i szokującą zarazem, jak radosny i wybitny jest talent oraz zamiłowanie do piłki Henry'ego.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2010
87 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 18, 2015
I’m not sure whether the French have a different approach to biography than the British or whether Phillipe Auclair’s style of footballing biography is unique. Auclair’s English language books have dealt exclusively with football, portraits of his two most successful countrymen to play in England. His first book on Cantona was a masterpiece of the genre, seeking to understand his subject rather than offer a simple overview of his career to date. Auclair’s book opened a whole new dimension of appreciation; it had the form of a sports biography, a huge selling but seemingly universally derided form, and weaved literature, art and sport together into a dazzling tapestry. Cantona’s life ended up being merely the shape of the book – this was a character study disguised as biography. The logical follow-up was the other Frenchman who came to define his era in the Premier League, Arsenal’s avatar of grace and speed of thought.
I confess that I still regard Henry as the best Premier League player I saw live. His game didn’t have the needy desperation that often marred Ronaldo and Gerrard’s play, and it had infinitely more grace than the more forceful likes of Drogba or Rooney. He made brilliance seem effortless, a flawless footballing machine. Auclair’s work makes it clear that the effortlessness was an illusion, that, beautiful as it could be to witness, Henry sweated hard to achieve that effect. Amidst what’s a football aesthete’s dream of a book it strikes a prosaic though true note and it’s to Auclair’s credit that it feels perfectly in keeping. With the surface nature of much football coverage and Henry’s diffidence we never actually understood Henry as well as we thought we did.
Again, as with the Cantona book the career merely shapes the story, it’s not the essence of it. As with Dennis Bergkamp’s biography much of the meat here is his career defining spell at Arsenal. These books, along with Amy Lawrence’s 'Invincibles' show Wenger’s imperial phase (roughly speaking from Wenger taking over to the move to the Emirates) beginning to being put into their historical context. Obviously all three are positive – it’s notable how both Bergkamp and Henry eulogise Wenger, each other and their teammates.
The book ends on a triumphant note – not for Auclair the ending of Henry winding his career down in what’s perceived as a lesser league, faded abilities still dazzling lesser mortals. Nor does he end by dwelling on France’s shambolic 2010 World Cup. Instead he ends it on the perfect note, the perfect image. He leaves it with Henry’s last hurrah at the Emirates, one last goal for the club. A moment of pure joy, perfect happiness, a goal at the venue he once imperiously strode. It’s a perfect ending, a release of the tension that’s been held back through the book by nature of the subject’s character. The footballer becoming the fan, understanding their emotion and what they get from the game, shedding the simple professionalism and cool demeanour. Finally he shares the joy that Auclair confesses punctured his professional journalistic etiquette twice. It’s the perfect ending note of the main symphony, everything following would be a mere coda.
I confess that I still regard Henry as the best Premier League player I saw live. His game didn’t have the needy desperation that often marred Ronaldo and Gerrard’s play, and it had infinitely more grace than the more forceful likes of Drogba or Rooney. He made brilliance seem effortless, a flawless footballing machine. Auclair’s work makes it clear that the effortlessness was an illusion, that, beautiful as it could be to witness, Henry sweated hard to achieve that effect. Amidst what’s a football aesthete’s dream of a book it strikes a prosaic though true note and it’s to Auclair’s credit that it feels perfectly in keeping. With the surface nature of much football coverage and Henry’s diffidence we never actually understood Henry as well as we thought we did.
Again, as with the Cantona book the career merely shapes the story, it’s not the essence of it. As with Dennis Bergkamp’s biography much of the meat here is his career defining spell at Arsenal. These books, along with Amy Lawrence’s 'Invincibles' show Wenger’s imperial phase (roughly speaking from Wenger taking over to the move to the Emirates) beginning to being put into their historical context. Obviously all three are positive – it’s notable how both Bergkamp and Henry eulogise Wenger, each other and their teammates.
The book ends on a triumphant note – not for Auclair the ending of Henry winding his career down in what’s perceived as a lesser league, faded abilities still dazzling lesser mortals. Nor does he end by dwelling on France’s shambolic 2010 World Cup. Instead he ends it on the perfect note, the perfect image. He leaves it with Henry’s last hurrah at the Emirates, one last goal for the club. A moment of pure joy, perfect happiness, a goal at the venue he once imperiously strode. It’s a perfect ending, a release of the tension that’s been held back through the book by nature of the subject’s character. The footballer becoming the fan, understanding their emotion and what they get from the game, shedding the simple professionalism and cool demeanour. Finally he shares the joy that Auclair confesses punctured his professional journalistic etiquette twice. It’s the perfect ending note of the main symphony, everything following would be a mere coda.
September 28, 2025
A great warts and all biography.
March 24, 2014
أنا مشجع ارسنالي وتيري هينري لاعبي المفضل
كانت فكرة قراءة كتاب عن مسيرة هينري غير جذابة لأني شاهدت اكثرها أو تكررت مئات المرات في منتديات الفريق وقراءة كتاب على شكل مسيرة جافة مثل ويكيبيديا مضيعة وقت فقط
لكن هذا الكتاب يعطي صورة مختلفة وخفية عن سيرة هذا اللاعب العظيم..تبدأ بالتفكير بما يمر به شخص بموهبة كامنة في الرياضة او الموسيقى او الفن في طفولته وما يحفر في اعماقه لتشكل هذه الشخصية الفريدة ويتمكن من الظهور بهذا الإبداع والتجلي أمام العالم..هينري اكتسب صلابة عقلية وعاطفة متجمدة ورغبة عارمة في النجاح فقط من والده المتجهم والانتقادي منذ صغره..كان دائما يجد مجال للإنتقاد في اداء ابنه الصغير حتى في حال تسجيله لعدد وافر من الأهداف وتألقه الفذ مقارنة بانداده..هينري بعد سنوات تألقه لا يزال يحتفظ بهذه العقلية فربما يظهر بشكل لافت في لقاء معين لكن عقله لا يكف عن النظر لما أخطأ في تنفيذه في الملعب.
فيليب اوكلير صحفي مميز وله احترام واسع في نطاق الكرة الفرنسية والانجليزية..خطى في عالم التأليف فقط لشخصيتين لها من الشهرة الواسعة ما يساويها من إثارة الجدل حولها في مشوارهم الكروي وهم تيري هينري واريك كانتونا
فصول الكتاب متوسعة وتغطي جزء عظيم من مسيرة هينري..شخصيا وجدت ان الحديث عن مسيرة تيري قبل سنوات التألق مع ارسنال وبرشلونة كانت افضل واكثر وصفاً لشخصيته عن ما تلاها من سنوات..هنا رحلة داخل عقل شخصية معقدة أجاد المؤلف في البحث عنها من الجذور إلى سنوات التألق.
كانت فكرة قراءة كتاب عن مسيرة هينري غير جذابة لأني شاهدت اكثرها أو تكررت مئات المرات في منتديات الفريق وقراءة كتاب على شكل مسيرة جافة مثل ويكيبيديا مضيعة وقت فقط
لكن هذا الكتاب يعطي صورة مختلفة وخفية عن سيرة هذا اللاعب العظيم..تبدأ بالتفكير بما يمر به شخص بموهبة كامنة في الرياضة او الموسيقى او الفن في طفولته وما يحفر في اعماقه لتشكل هذه الشخصية الفريدة ويتمكن من الظهور بهذا الإبداع والتجلي أمام العالم..هينري اكتسب صلابة عقلية وعاطفة متجمدة ورغبة عارمة في النجاح فقط من والده المتجهم والانتقادي منذ صغره..كان دائما يجد مجال للإنتقاد في اداء ابنه الصغير حتى في حال تسجيله لعدد وافر من الأهداف وتألقه الفذ مقارنة بانداده..هينري بعد سنوات تألقه لا يزال يحتفظ بهذه العقلية فربما يظهر بشكل لافت في لقاء معين لكن عقله لا يكف عن النظر لما أخطأ في تنفيذه في الملعب.
فيليب اوكلير صحفي مميز وله احترام واسع في نطاق الكرة الفرنسية والانجليزية..خطى في عالم التأليف فقط لشخصيتين لها من الشهرة الواسعة ما يساويها من إثارة الجدل حولها في مشوارهم الكروي وهم تيري هينري واريك كانتونا
فصول الكتاب متوسعة وتغطي جزء عظيم من مسيرة هينري..شخصيا وجدت ان الحديث عن مسيرة تيري قبل سنوات التألق مع ارسنال وبرشلونة كانت افضل واكثر وصفاً لشخصيته عن ما تلاها من سنوات..هنا رحلة داخل عقل شخصية معقدة أجاد المؤلف في البحث عنها من الجذور إلى سنوات التألق.
August 9, 2018
Pretty good as a biography, but the writer's love for literary extravaganza is irritating at times.
April 1, 2015
This is no run of the mill biography of a football star but then 'run of the mill' is the last term I'd use of TH, "Titi" to his friends. Enigmatic, to say the least, this remains the abiding impression I have of him by the end of the book. I learn much about him throughout the book though, which is packed with information. The tone of the book is the opposite of glossy, it's rather scholarly. Auclair is objective, almost to a fault, in his presentation and analysis.
Philippe Auclair is painstakingly honest and makes it clear to his readers that they won't be getting a paean of hero worship on his part. He is seeking to understand TH the man here from all angles. What makes it particularly interesting to me is that both men are French. Thierry's poll rating is very high this side of the Channel, much less so over there. The prophet lacks honour in his own country? Partly that, but much more besides - particularly French reaction to the shenanigans of its World Cup Team in 2010 and what they saw as Henry's abdication of responsibility and leadership.
A fascinating read of a very interesting man, oh and a hugely talented footballer too by the way!
Philippe Auclair is painstakingly honest and makes it clear to his readers that they won't be getting a paean of hero worship on his part. He is seeking to understand TH the man here from all angles. What makes it particularly interesting to me is that both men are French. Thierry's poll rating is very high this side of the Channel, much less so over there. The prophet lacks honour in his own country? Partly that, but much more besides - particularly French reaction to the shenanigans of its World Cup Team in 2010 and what they saw as Henry's abdication of responsibility and leadership.
A fascinating read of a very interesting man, oh and a hugely talented footballer too by the way!
December 30, 2021
The book is about my hero, so the "inner child" in me found it difficult to hide my excitement as I started reading it...soon I realised Philippe just tries his best to "humanize" Thierry to all Arsenal fans, most of whom simply consider Thierry as their God. Thierry is as flawed as flawed a man can be, yet he gave us, gooners, the best years of our life, of our football club. Thank you so much for the book, Philippe, we are indebted to you and Thierry. :)
December 13, 2018
It’s a good book but can get boring at some points with not a lot going on but then something new can spring out at you and he could be moving clubs or his family could be getting involved with lots of twist and turns but very descriptive and informative about his life
September 15, 2024
Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry were one of the only few footballers I loved while growing up and it can be attributed because of their involvement in Premier League.His biography is a testament to his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and remarkable journey. His impact on the sport of football is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Whether it's his iconic goals, his leadership qualities, or his charitable endeavors, Henry's story is one of inspiration and achievement.
November 13, 2024
I've read close to 50 footballer's biographies, and this one is definitely for the bottom draw. Not much storytelling. Just lots of minute pointless facts. E.g. The author painstakingly goes over the steps how a goal was scored in a particular match - it's much faster and easier to watch the YouTube clip. The narrative is all over the place. It jumps back and forth in time. Not a fun read at all.
March 7, 2020
Not so much about Henry
The author is an Arsenal fanatic and it shows a lot. The book’s best passages are when it speaks about Wenger’s les invincibles. Could have been titled Arsenal Chronicles in the time of Thierry Henry.
The author is an Arsenal fanatic and it shows a lot. The book’s best passages are when it speaks about Wenger’s les invincibles. Could have been titled Arsenal Chronicles in the time of Thierry Henry.
April 2, 2022
I couldn’t finish this book. i love Thierry Henry and expected a very in-depth background into he’s life but all I got from the first few chapters was an author who is a fan boy. It was very hard to follow and I got disinterested quickly when he jumps from one timeline to another.
March 23, 2019
Waardeloos geschreven
November 13, 2020
great insight. could be perfect if it was written according to titi's timeline.
too much french words, a bit burdensome to look up for the real meaning.
too much french words, a bit burdensome to look up for the real meaning.
February 20, 2022
Fantastic!!!
May 24, 2022
While Henry was a well known magician with an interesting story, it was made even better by Philippe Auclair's writing
December 28, 2022
Educational.
February 11, 2024
Very Good read for a gooner but I won't lie, the author uses some mad language for a book about the life of a footballer
December 12, 2024
Big fan of the Arsenal striker and enjoyed getting some background on his life. A trip down memory lane with the soccer history.
December 17, 2024
Unbiased, neutral opinion of the rise, glory, and strife that engulfed the fantastic arc of Thierry Henry’s professional football career.
Read
November 24, 2025last time i'll ever read an unauthorized biography
March 10, 2024
An interesting, even critical look at one of Arsenal's greatest ever.
April 7, 2013
Before I talk on this book, I must inform that I am an Arsenal supporter, and have been for more than a decade. And so I have seen this football club's dominance in the first half of the Wenger-era especially during 2001-04 which, in what is no coincidence, was the time when Thierry Henry peaked to such scintillating levels that would have made other great footballers look ordinary. He was a menace to other teams; unstoppable, fluid, intelligent, and most importantly a goal scorer. And to all such lovers of Arsenal and Henry, this story of such an outstanding talent on the field but who not necessarily lived up to his responsibilities off it, is a definite read.
The beauty of the story lies in the skill of the story-teller. And that line holds truest in the case of Thierry Henry: Lonely at the Top. Philippe Auclair, the author, is a French journalist with a love for Arsenal FC, the two key ingredients required to even attempt writing a book on Henry. And it this dual love for the French national team and Arsenal FC which allows Auclair to write the book with a passionate fervor, rather than going through the motions. This especially comes out on two occasions, one when he talks of the final match played at Higbury, Arsenal's old stadium, and secondly when he talks at length of the debacle of the French squad at World Cup 2010 and the hurt they caused the nation. But despite being someone who would have been crazily delighted with Henry's on-field performances, as most are, Auclair tries to paint an accurate picture of Theirry Henry, the man, where he does not disguise the ambivalence he holds. It would have been a tough task to showcase the human Henry rather than only the footballer Henry, given the relatively private life he lives. In those circumstances, Auclair has done a fairly good job.
Supported by Auclair's knowledge of the game and his contacts in this sport, Henry's life itself holds enough fascinating twists and turns that provide enough drama to keep the attention of the reader. While many would always remember him for the godlike mastery on the football he displayed in the red and white of Arsenal, Theirry Henry: Lonely at the Top brings forth various other chapters in his life. His early childhood days driven by his father's strong desire to see him playing for France, his early days in Monaco which saw him groom as a footballer, his botched up transfer attempt to Real Madrid, his difficult brief stint at Juventus, his post-Arsenal exile to Barcelona, and in between all this, his contribution to the World Cup winning French team of 1998, his secondary position to Zizou, and the famous 'Hand of God II' against Ireland that allowed France to qualify for World Cup 2010. It's a long story, a story worth reading, which makes you fall in love with Henry's magic again, makes you know more about the man behind the footballer, and for someone like me, makes you feel proud to have been there to watch this genius provide so many delightful moments time and time again. Thank you Thierry Henry for the memories, and thank you Philippe Auclair for making us relive it again!
The beauty of the story lies in the skill of the story-teller. And that line holds truest in the case of Thierry Henry: Lonely at the Top. Philippe Auclair, the author, is a French journalist with a love for Arsenal FC, the two key ingredients required to even attempt writing a book on Henry. And it this dual love for the French national team and Arsenal FC which allows Auclair to write the book with a passionate fervor, rather than going through the motions. This especially comes out on two occasions, one when he talks of the final match played at Higbury, Arsenal's old stadium, and secondly when he talks at length of the debacle of the French squad at World Cup 2010 and the hurt they caused the nation. But despite being someone who would have been crazily delighted with Henry's on-field performances, as most are, Auclair tries to paint an accurate picture of Theirry Henry, the man, where he does not disguise the ambivalence he holds. It would have been a tough task to showcase the human Henry rather than only the footballer Henry, given the relatively private life he lives. In those circumstances, Auclair has done a fairly good job.
Supported by Auclair's knowledge of the game and his contacts in this sport, Henry's life itself holds enough fascinating twists and turns that provide enough drama to keep the attention of the reader. While many would always remember him for the godlike mastery on the football he displayed in the red and white of Arsenal, Theirry Henry: Lonely at the Top brings forth various other chapters in his life. His early childhood days driven by his father's strong desire to see him playing for France, his early days in Monaco which saw him groom as a footballer, his botched up transfer attempt to Real Madrid, his difficult brief stint at Juventus, his post-Arsenal exile to Barcelona, and in between all this, his contribution to the World Cup winning French team of 1998, his secondary position to Zizou, and the famous 'Hand of God II' against Ireland that allowed France to qualify for World Cup 2010. It's a long story, a story worth reading, which makes you fall in love with Henry's magic again, makes you know more about the man behind the footballer, and for someone like me, makes you feel proud to have been there to watch this genius provide so many delightful moments time and time again. Thank you Thierry Henry for the memories, and thank you Philippe Auclair for making us relive it again!
November 8, 2015
Football books are more often than not hagiographies or takes on a theme of 'love him, hate him, but can't ignore him'. Both these types of books usually have banal descriptions of famous incidents that rekindles the nostalgia of fans. A lot of it inevitably will be fiction, more than fact. But when I saw a book on Thierry Henry in a second hand book store at a throaway price, I could not resist. Henry was one of my first football idols. He made me fall in love with Arsenal whom I am still married to. But that is not the reason why I bought the book. I was familiar with Phillipe Auclair's writings and have listened to him on several podcasts. He unlike,most football journalists, is a thinking person's writer. He is not just an Arsenal fan, but has followed French football for decades and is also known for the critically acclaimed biography of another French football legend, Eric Cantona. I was curious.
The book, I must say, left me feeling ambivalent about Henry which probably means Auclair did a good job. Henry is a difficult person to write about. After having won the World Cup and the Euros at a very young age, he was led down a difficult path due to some bad decisions and fulfilled his destiny when a certain Arsene Wenger brought him to Arsenal and decided that he is a Centre Forward and not a Left Winger. But then followed the ignominies of the infamous 'Hand of Gaul' and the imploding of the 2012 French World Cup Team. Then came the unexpected return to Arsenal in 2012 to score against Leeds and Sunderland. Auclair does justice to the footballer that is Thierry Henry for sure, and tries to explain some of the questions people might have had about Thierry Henry the person through the personal trauma that he might have experienced in the rough world of professional football. And not just that, Auclair gives a fascinating narration of the evolution (and devolution) of French football and the roles played by several people in the process like Jean Tigana and Raymond Domenech (whom he clearly does not like!). Overall, a brilliant read and highly recommend it for football lovers.
The book, I must say, left me feeling ambivalent about Henry which probably means Auclair did a good job. Henry is a difficult person to write about. After having won the World Cup and the Euros at a very young age, he was led down a difficult path due to some bad decisions and fulfilled his destiny when a certain Arsene Wenger brought him to Arsenal and decided that he is a Centre Forward and not a Left Winger. But then followed the ignominies of the infamous 'Hand of Gaul' and the imploding of the 2012 French World Cup Team. Then came the unexpected return to Arsenal in 2012 to score against Leeds and Sunderland. Auclair does justice to the footballer that is Thierry Henry for sure, and tries to explain some of the questions people might have had about Thierry Henry the person through the personal trauma that he might have experienced in the rough world of professional football. And not just that, Auclair gives a fascinating narration of the evolution (and devolution) of French football and the roles played by several people in the process like Jean Tigana and Raymond Domenech (whom he clearly does not like!). Overall, a brilliant read and highly recommend it for football lovers.
May 27, 2020
This is a very well written book by an excellent writer. It is obviously also an objective biography which I have no doubt is a very honest record of Thierry's life including the criticisms levied at him. As someone who has loved and admired him from the first time he put on the Arsenal shirt, I found this aspect of the book hard to read. I admit he can do no wrong in my eyes and I long for the day he is back where he belongs-at the Arsenal. This book has not diminished my admiration for the best player who has ever graced the Premier League but it has made me understand the nuances of his character a bit better. My overall feeling is of sympathy for him. I believe he has overcome major difficulties, not least the dominating character and influence of his father. It is a mark of his intelligence that he overcame this, took the good from it and followed his own path. He should not have left Arsenal. I also believe the French treated him badly and it is clear he became a scapegoat. As for the Ireland incident, if an England player had done the same he would have been defended by all.
January 9, 2013
The book in itself is quite exhaustive. It starts right from his childhood days in the french concrete suburbs and includes the crucial role of his family especially his father. It goes on to talk about his early days in monaco, his first wc and his season in hell.
The transition to his arsenal days is very good. His blossoming, reaching his peak and his gradual decline are pages which an arsenal or henry fan will just glide through. His exploits with his national team are well written too.
There are however 2 things which i thought was , lets say unexpected, one is the campaign of 2010 WC and the controversy leading to it. This part was rather stretched to the extent that the writer could have easily avoided the chapter that talks about this. Secondly, this book talks more about him as a person , the enigma he was and his other traits like his loneliness. But, probably as Phillipe puts it, if one wanted , just a collection of his records or best goals scored it would not take more than a minute to search it out in the internet.
The conclusion or postscript is short and crisp and befitting of player that is Thierry Henry: lonely at the top.
The transition to his arsenal days is very good. His blossoming, reaching his peak and his gradual decline are pages which an arsenal or henry fan will just glide through. His exploits with his national team are well written too.
There are however 2 things which i thought was , lets say unexpected, one is the campaign of 2010 WC and the controversy leading to it. This part was rather stretched to the extent that the writer could have easily avoided the chapter that talks about this. Secondly, this book talks more about him as a person , the enigma he was and his other traits like his loneliness. But, probably as Phillipe puts it, if one wanted , just a collection of his records or best goals scored it would not take more than a minute to search it out in the internet.
The conclusion or postscript is short and crisp and befitting of player that is Thierry Henry: lonely at the top.
April 15, 2014
The book encapsulates the career of one of the great footballers of his generation.
Starting with his childhood in France, his rise through the youth ranks, his short frantic stay in Italy with Juventus, his era defining performances in the premier league , his stay at Barcelona to that shameful night in Paris, the author presents the readers the life of great man who is often misunderstood for arrogance.
The book is a must read for an Arsenal supporter as it shows what was right with the early Wenger era at the London club. The signings of players like Viera, Henry, Petit etc. in those years to the INVINCIBLES is depicted stupendously in the book. It also gives the glimpse into why the club is not successful in the field lately.
Overall a wonderful book.
Starting with his childhood in France, his rise through the youth ranks, his short frantic stay in Italy with Juventus, his era defining performances in the premier league , his stay at Barcelona to that shameful night in Paris, the author presents the readers the life of great man who is often misunderstood for arrogance.
The book is a must read for an Arsenal supporter as it shows what was right with the early Wenger era at the London club. The signings of players like Viera, Henry, Petit etc. in those years to the INVINCIBLES is depicted stupendously in the book. It also gives the glimpse into why the club is not successful in the field lately.
Overall a wonderful book.
July 19, 2015
This is more of a biographical essay-as Mr.Auclair himself puts it-than a biography.
Filled with anecdotes, the main thing that stood out for me was the influence Henry's father played in shaping his personality.
Titi's time at Monaco is explained in great detail.The insecurities he faced as a young footballer-touted for great things- and his travails on the international stage make this book an essential read for all Arsenal and football fans.
Also, the lack of chemistry between Zidane and Titi & the passive role played by him in the Knysa fiasco portray a player for whom leadership did not come naturally and also helps explain his mixed record as captain of Arsenal and France(on rare occasions)
Filled with anecdotes, the main thing that stood out for me was the influence Henry's father played in shaping his personality.
Titi's time at Monaco is explained in great detail.The insecurities he faced as a young footballer-touted for great things- and his travails on the international stage make this book an essential read for all Arsenal and football fans.
Also, the lack of chemistry between Zidane and Titi & the passive role played by him in the Knysa fiasco portray a player for whom leadership did not come naturally and also helps explain his mixed record as captain of Arsenal and France(on rare occasions)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2015
Fantastic story-telling by Philippe Auclair that gives you a deep insight into the three decade long career of Thierry Henry. Instead of rattling down facts and figures, Auclair goes neck-deep into important events in Henry's life and career rather, events that shaped the maestro himself. From the highs and lows at Monaco and the French national team, to the nadir at Juventus, the ultimate resurrection at Arsenal, the eternal mentor-protege relationship with Arsene Wenger and the strange relationship on the pitch with Zidane - this book has it all. A must-read for any football fan.
May 23, 2016
Growing up I used to idolize Thierry Henry. He was my hero. He played for my favorite team which is arsenal. I used think he was the greatest striker that ever lived and I still do. The title of the book is very deceiving because the book is about his greatness and what an amazing player he was. The title is actually about his positioning on the field because he was a lone striker. This book is well written but it is not the best. I recommend this to all football fans.
August 27, 2022
enjoyed the book that deals with the football life of Thierry Henry, as an english, Arsenal fan is was good to read about the largely (to me) unknown aspects of Thierry's career, such as his early years and years as a French international. The auther weaves a detailed analysis of the subject matter, but I stil question whether the author was supportive of the footballer or not!
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