Football legend Thierry Henry recently opened up about his brief but impactful stint at Juventus, shedding light on a challenging period in both his career and the club’s history.
Henry arrived in Turin under the leadership of renowned manager Marcelo Lippi, but stability was short-lived. “Lippi was a great man,” he recalled, “but he departed just four games into the season, leaving the team in 11th place.”
The situation was further complicated by controversy, as Roma’s coach Zdeněk Zeman publicly accused Juventus of using performance-enhancing substances, throwing the club into disarray.
Following Lippi’s exit, Carlo Ancelotti took charge and implemented a new tactical system. Henry found himself shifted from his natural striker role to a wing-back position in a 3-5-2 formation.
“One moment I was a number nine, the next I was chasing down wingers and sending in crosses. It was demanding, but it made me grow” . “Juventus taught me what it means to work for the team. I saw how hard others worked, and it changed my mindset.”
Despite adapting well and contributing goals and assists, Henry’s time at the club ended unexpectedly. “People often ask why I left.
Truth is, I didn’t choose to”. At the end of the season, then-director Luciano Moggi approached him with a surprising proposal.
“He wanted to send me to Udinese in exchange for Amoroso, on loan. He said it was because he trusted me. Ancelotti was there too but said nothing. I felt completely disrespected.”
That moment marked the end of Henry’s journey in black and white. “I decided then and there that I would never wear the Juventus shirt again,” he stated firmly.
Still, Henry holds no bitterness toward the club’s supporters. “Juventus is a magnificent club with fans who treat players like royalty. But sometimes, you have to stand by your principles. That’s why I left.”
