Thierry Henry Reacts To Ruud van Nistelrooy Being 'Obsessed' Over Him

Thierry Henry says he was far from obsessed with Ruud van Nistelrooy during their tussle for the Golden Boot.

The Dutchman, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for United, once pipped Henry to the top scorer award after a fine 2002/03 campaign.

Image: PA

But according to United legend Rio Ferdinand, Van Nistelrooy obsessed over Henry's statistics and used to come in the changing room unhappy if Arsenal's No.14 had one-upped him.

Henry, however, who holds the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season, said he did not care too much about what his rival was doing in front of goal when asked if he shared the same level of obsession.

Speaking on Instagram live with PUMA, Henry said: "It became a story between me and him because it was always him or me [to win the golden boot] but I don't know if you remember I used to give penalties away...I used to give penalties away!

"When Edu played his last game for Arsenal and I was battling with Ruud van Nistelrooy for the Golden Boot I gave him the penalty.

"It's because you ask me the question don't get me wrong...but if you look at the number of my assists I gave in the game and sometimes I was in front of the goal and I squared it that would answer that question."

"I would not have all those assists if I was only just thinking about the Golden Boot."

Image: PA

Henry and Van Nistelrooy competed for the Golden Boot five seasons on the trot after United snapped up the striker from PSV for £19 million, but it was the Arsenal legend who won the contest 4-1.

And he says his frustration after games was when he didn't contribute for his team in the form of a goal or assist

"When I was was upset was if I didn't give an assist or I didn't score," Henry added.

"'Then I felt I didn't help my team. Sometimes you can be amazing in a game without a goal and assist, sometimes really poor with a goal and assist so it depends on what people value.

"If I didn't help my team in any shape that's when I come on the bus and put my head down, maybe saying stuff I shouldn't be saying because I get upset with myself.

"I could be greedy and play for myself but that's how the game is. Ruud was an amazing striker, I had so many battles with him, he was a striker playing in an amazing team.'

Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Arsenal, thierry henry

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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