Thierry Henry won't return to Red Bulls

Thierry Henry has announced on Monday that he will not be returning to the New York Red Bulls for the 2015 season. He issued the following statement, which can be found on the club's official site:

I am taking this opportunity to announce that unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New York Red Bulls. The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn't want it to distract from the progress of the team.

I have immensely enjoyed my four and half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has made my time here so enjoyable.

Thanks must go particularly to Erik Soler, Hans Backe, Gerard Houllier, Andy Roxburgh, Mike Petke, all my team mates, the technical staff, medical staff, all the personnel who work for the Redbull organisation, the MLS and of course the owner Mr Mateschitz whose vision and passion brought me to this wonderful city.

A special mention must go to the Redbull fans who have supported this team through the good, the bad and the ugly times in the sun, rain and snow. You guys have really meant a lot to me and thank you for all your wonderful support.

I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career.

Thank you all

Thierry Henry

While this should have little to no impact on the Cosmos on the pitch, it could help the club a bit in terms of media coverage and ticket sales. The idea of having all of David Villa, Frank Lampard, Raul, Marcos Senna, and Henry in New York at the same time was mouth watering, but it looks as if that's a dream that just won't ever happen. It's still likely that the Red Bulls will wind up adding a new start player this winter, but it's unlikely that that star will have the international appeal of Henry.

Regardless of who the club replace him with, it was awfully fun having the player in New York for the past 4-1/2 years. Best of luck with wherever you wind up, Thierry, and make sure to tell all of your friends how wonderful your time in the city was.