Thierry Henry Named 2 British Stadiums as the 'Loudest' He Ever Experienced

· GiveMeSport

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry named Celtic Park and one other as the 'loudest' he ever experienced.

A legend of the modern era, Thierry Henry spent his career producing unforgettable moments, including on the European stage with Arsenal and Barcelona . The French icon regularly kept supporters on the edge of their seats, knowing he'd soon produce something special.

Gunners fans will remember Henry's sensational display at the San Siro in 2003 when a brilliant brace completed an outstanding performance in a 5-1 demolition of Inter Milan . He was also a key figure for Barca in the Champions League , helping La Blaugrana claim the European crown in 2009.

Henry retired in December 2014 after a spell in MLS with New York Red Bull . The Frenchman, however, enjoyed the most success in North London, notably in 2004 and 2005, when he claimed the European Golden Boot on consecutive occasions.

The Les Ulis-born forward was accustomed to being the centre of attention, and there were occasions when opposing supporters could do little but appreciate his extraordinary talent. Defenders regularly struggled to contain him when he was playing with the freedom and confidence that defined his best performances.

There were, however, moments when Henry was taken aback by the sheer volume created by opposition supporters. Two British clubs can claim to have produced crowds that left the 1998 World Cup winner particularly impressed.

Liverpool were frequently on the receiving end of Henry's brilliance during his illustrious career, facing the former 123-cap France international 18 times. He recorded an impressive nine goals and three assists across those encounters, including a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory at Highbury during Arsenal's invincible campaign in 2004.

Henry also demonstrated his quality at Anfield on seven occasions, although he scored only once. Perhaps the famous Kop atmosphere played its part. He won twice at the 61,000-capacity stadium, but Anfield was not the only British venue where the atmosphere made an impression on him.

Yet, the Frenchman insisted he relished playing away from home because it meant the opposing fans feared the worst. He told CBS Sports in 2022 (via HITC):

> "I used to love playing away from home. I used to think, if you are singing that loud, if you are saying whatever you are saying – and I am not repeating what people say sometimes when you play away – then it’s because you are scared."

Henry was speaking about Marseille 's Stade Velodrome, widely regarded as one of Europe's most intimidating grounds. However, he specifically singled out Anfield and Celtic Park as the two venues where he encountered the loudest support:

> "I have said it so many times, passing my beloved stadium Highbury and stuff. But the loudest was Anfield and Celtic Park."

The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner made just one appearance at Celtic Park during his career. He found the net in a thrilling 3-2 Barca victory over Celtic in the last 16 of the 2007-08 Champions League.

Henry is not the only Barcelona great to have spoken highly of Parkhead's electric crowd. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi also praised the Scottish Premiership giants' passionate fanbase .

Arsenal have never lifted the Champions League trophy, and they came agonisingly close in 2006 when they met Barca in the final. Henry was one of the central figures heading into the European giants' meeting at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Henry had been strongly linked with a switch to the Nou Camp before the match, with some viewing the final as potentially his last appearance in Gunners colours. The night ultimately ended in disappointment as the North Londoners suffered a 2-1 defeat, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was controversially dismissed early in the contest.

Arsene Wenger's ten men went ahead through Sol Campbell 's header in the 37th minute, but Barca turned the contest around during the closing stages. Samuel Eto'o (76') and Juliano Belletti (81') completed the comeback, leaving the Premier League side without the European crown.

Henry had a chance to score as early as the 2nd minute but was unable to beat Victor Valdes from six yards. He reflected on that moment with regret (via The Mirror):

> I still have moments where I’m like: ‘I didn’t deliver for Arsenal to win a Champions League.’ I mean the final - I had the opportunity to score. I didn’t score. I wake up from it sometime. You think it’s easy? So easy, the team I support? It is not easy. Like, I live with it, but I don’t… It's gonna take a toll on you.

Arsenal supporters continue to look back fondly on Henry's two spells with the club, during which he established himself as one of their greatest-ever players. He scored 228 goals and supplied 93 assists in 377 appearances while collecting seven major trophies.

The Gunners have had some world-class players turn out for them over the years.

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