“He was always trying to respect the game” - When Thierry Henry hailed ex-teammate as best player he played with ahead of ‘freak’ Lionel Messi
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry once picked Dennis Bergkamp over Lionel Messi when asked to name the best player he played with in his career. He also labeled the Argentine as a 'freak' but picked Bergkamp for his ability and respect for the game.
Henry played for the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and France during his illustrious career and hence, played with some incredible players. He shared the pitch with the likes of Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Xavi Hernandez, and Lionel Messi, who many consider the greatest player of all time.
However, when he was asked to name the best player he played with, Henry said in a Facebook Q&A in 2015 (via Sport Bible):
“Because of longevity, and because I saw him every day in training for seven years, Dennis Bergkamp. Why? Because he was always doing what the game was asking him to do.
“I admired how Dennis was always trying to respect the game. He could score but he could also pass and wait for the right moment…he was always trying to respect the game when he could do other stuff. I respected him a lot for that but also the way he trained.
The way he used to train was just not normal. The guy didn’t want to lose the ball; he would foul you; get in your face; he wants to be first in the run.”
Henry and Bergkamp shared the pitch 216 times with Henry at Arsenal. They together won numerous trophies, including the 'Invincibles' Premier League title in the 2003-04 season.
Henry did mention Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane as well, though, saying:
“But then I have to mention the freaks. Leo is a freak. I think you guys [fans] do not understand what the guy is doing. Him, Zizou, all these guys, you cannot do what they do, because it’s not humanly possible.”
Henry shared the pitch 89 times with Messi at Barcelona and 68 times with Zidane with France and Juventus.
When Thierry Henry picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
The GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most fierce debates in sporting history. The rivalry between the two has gone on for over 15 years now and many have chosen their sides in this debate. France legend Thierry Henry also shared his pick between the two, saying in 2015:
"Well, I played with Leo, so you can guess my answer (laughs). I have enormous respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years—and by that, I mean at an extraordinarily high level."
"It’s one thing to have to have a single great season but to maintain it for so many years is something else. I don’t think we fully realize just what these guys are achieving. So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo."
It's almost a decade later and the two legendary players are still playing for at the club and international level. While Lionel Messi plays for MLS side Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
They are also still active with Argentina and Portugal, respectively, and will be seen in action soon during the ongoing international break.