Henry not for Barca

LONDON – Thierry Henry’s agent yesterday categorically denied reports that the Arsenal striker has agreed terms with Spanish giants Barcelona.

France Football magazine claimed that Henry’s agent Jerome Anderson met with Barca’s sporting director Txiki Beguiristain last week regarding a three-year deal with an option of a fourth year. But Anderson insisted: “I can categorically state that I never had a meeting with anyone representing Barcelona.The whole thing is garbage.”I did not meet with anyone – whether in the south of France or anywhere on this planet.I have read the article in the French magazine and there is not one element of truth in the story and they will be hearing from my lawyers.”Where this comes from I have absolutely no idea.Nobody checked these claims with anyone involved in the story.It is scandalous.”And Jeff Weston, from the SEM Group which manages Henry, told BBC Sport yesterday: “No such meeting took place.That is absolute rubbish.”There’s never been any question of him not being at Arsenal next season.”Henry’s future has been the subject of speculation again despite him signing a four-year contract with the Gunners last summer, with both Barca and AC Milan linked to the player.Last week Henry told ESPN that it was “great to hear” reports of interest in him from European champions AC Milan, but stressed “I am an Arsenal player at the moment”.Henry went on to say he had been “devastated” by the departure of vice-chairman David Dein, who left after a dispute with his fellow directors over the increased involvement of American businessman Stan Kroenke.”The bosses have been unsettled and a lot of players at the club have been unsettled,” he added.Nampa-AFPBut Anderson insisted: “I can categorically state that I never had a meeting with anyone representing Barcelona.The whole thing is garbage.”I did not meet with anyone – whether in the south of France or anywhere on this planet.I have read the article in the French magazine and there is not one element of truth in the story and they will be hearing from my lawyers.”Where this comes from I have absolutely no idea.Nobody checked these claims with anyone involved in the story.It is scandalous.”And Jeff Weston, from the SEM Group which manages Henry, told BBC Sport yesterday: “No such meeting took place.That is absolute rubbish.”There’s never been any question of him not being at Arsenal next season.”Henry’s future has been the subject of speculation again despite him signing a four-year contract with the Gunners last summer, with both Barca and AC Milan linked to the player.Last week Henry told ESPN that it was “great to hear” reports of interest in him from European champions AC Milan, but stressed “I am an Arsenal player at the moment”.Henry went on to say he had been “devastated” by the departure of vice-chairman David Dein, who left after a dispute with his fellow directors over the increased involvement of American businessman Stan Kroenke.”The bosses have been unsettled and a lot of players at the club have been unsettled,” he added.Nampa-AFP