Thierry Henry joins New York in major boost for US game

Published on Wednesday 14 July 2010 17:47

THIERRY Henry's move to the New York Red Bulls will help Major League Soccer in its goal to become one of the "world's elite soccer leagues", according to the organisation's vice-president of marketing and communications.

The French international striker penned a multi-year contract with the Red Bulls yesterday, ending months of speculation over a much-mooted transfer across the Atlantic from Barcelona.

Henry is the League's biggest signing since David Beckham's arrival at the LA Galaxy three years ago and MLS is expecting a similar boom in interest and income.

"Thierry Henry is a global icon who has had success at all levels of soccer, whether it is with his club or winning the World Cup for his country," Dan Courtemanche, senior vice-president of marketing and communications for MLS, said. "To have a player of his stature come to play in Major League Soccer and compete with the Red Bulls is only going to further elevate the profile of the game in our country.

"And we believe it is going to positively impact all areas of our business, including attendance, TV ratings, corporate sponsorship, licensed merchandise and other aspects. A player of Henry's stature will generate global exposure for the Red Bulls and Major League Soccer, and that is certainly going to have a positive impact on the sport in the United States and Canada."

Courtemanche admitted that marquee signings such as Henry and Beckham are "most definitely" part of Major League Soccer's plan to aid growth.

But Courtemanche insisted the League hopes to start producing its own world-class players over the next decade through its recently developed academy structure. "We're 15 seasons into our development and right now we're continuing as an emerging soccer league in the global footprint," he added.