It was a warm and a bit muggy Thursday afternoon as the MLS Summer Transfer Window officially opened on July 15th. That window opened so wide & one of the world’s greatest strikers of the game finally entered to make his announcement that he is here to play and be competitive for the club and the city of New York.

Former French International striker Thierry Henry was introduced to the local media as well as the visiting English, French and Spanish media as he walked out of the tunnel and waiting for him on the pitch was MLS Commissioner Don Garber, head of Red Bull Global soccer Dieter Beiersdorfer, RBNY Sporting Director Erik Soler & Head Coach Hans Backe to present him his scarf and jersey.

“It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognizable soccer players over the past 15 years,” said Beiersdorfer. “We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner.”

Ever since Eric Soler was hired to right the ship with bringing in the best players and find talented Americans in the MLS Super Draft, he knew that this club which has done a good so far this season needed to get better and better. Bringing in Henry or a player like Henry was needed to help this club move forward. “Thierry is not only a world class player who will undoubtedly improve our squad, but he has shown most importantly throughout his career that he is a winner,” said Soler. “He has made it clear to us that he is committed in the short and long term to help in our vision of making our organization the premium franchise in Major League Soccer.”

Then it was time for the man of the hour to speak and he made it quite clear that he wasn’t making a return to the city on another vacation, he came over to ply his trade in football at Red Bull Arena. “Well as you can see, I’m just thrilled to be here.” said Henry. “Everybody knows that I love this city. But I can assure you that I came here to try to win. That is the most important thing. I’m a competitor, and I’m sure the boss will put a team out there to be sure that we can do it.

Many questions were asked about his time with the French squad during their self destruction at the World Cup, if he knew how many Americans were watching the World Cup Final between the Netherlands and Spain and if he believes the game is growing the right way in the United States. Very calm answers from Henry and it sounds like he is showing respect for Americans who have fallen in love of the sport.

He will not be available for the club this coming Saturday for their road trip to the Columbus Crew, but after the Barclays New York Challenge his first league match will be on the road at the Houston Dynamo and Robertson Stadium. So the Orange crush should be on the lookout for Angel & Henry.