Arsenal captain Thierry Henry will be joining Spanish giants Barcelona next season, the Gunners confirmed on Saturday. The London club revealed that a deal is set to be struck with Barcelona, and Henry's switch is only subject to a medical on Monday. "Arsenal Football Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of Thierry Henry," read an Arsenal statement. "The deal is subject to a medical and the completion of formalities." The French ace explained his reasons for leaving Arsenal after a legendary reign with the Gunners, as the 29-year-old linked his decision to the expected departure of manager Arsene Wenger. "Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," Henry told the fans in an open letter published in the Sun. "Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season. Wenger's decision to leave the Emirates Stadium after 11 years in charge is largely affected by the resignation of vice-president David Dein in April.
"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein," added Henry. Henry and Wenger have been repeatedly ruling out Henry's departure throughout last season, but everything changed after Dein's exit. Finally, the all-time Arsenal leading goal scorer confirmed his move to Nou Camp, after being linked to Barca for the past two seasons. "Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there," continued Henry. "But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin. Henry said that he will sign a four-year-deal when he passes the Monday medical, the deal was reported to be worth $32million. "I still must pass a medical on Monday but yes, I have chosen Barcelona," Henry told French sports daily L'Equipe. "I will sign there for the next four seasons. "Nothing has been signed yet but both sides reached an agreement on Friday."
