Henry aims for Zizou’s zenith
The prestigious prize has now gone to the Madrid ‘galacticos’ for each of the past three seasons, with Zidane following Ronaldo in 2002 and Luis Figo the previous year, into the record books.
Zidane also won it in 2000, when he was a Juventus player.
But Henry desires such an accolade, and after seeing Zidane match Ronaldo’s all-time record by receiving the prize for the third time in his career, the Arsenal frontman set his sights on top spot in 2004.
He has the platform on which to impress the judges, who this year numbered 142 national team coaches because he is lined up to play an integral role for France at Euro 2004.
Coaches had three votes, with their first-choice selection gaining five points, second place meriting three points, and third worth one point.
Zidane won 264 voting points, with Henry (186) second and Ronaldo (176) third. Juventus’ Pavel Nedved was also a popular choice, taking fourth place.
“I am not disappointed because I had not set it as a goal to win this award,” said Henry after the ceremony.
“I am second and that is rather great to know that I am between ‘Zizou’ and Ronaldo.
“However I am a fighter and I will try to get it next year by being more consistent throughout the season.
“I have always wanted to be recognised for what I do on a pitch and the fact that this reward comes from the national coaches is excellent.”
Zidane boldly predicted that Henry could even join himself and Ronaldo in winning three FIFA awards during the course of his career, providing his game continues to mature.
“ ‘Titi’ is younger than us,” said Zidane of his 26-year-old French international colleague.
“He still has got a lot of time and there is good reason to bet he will receive more than three awards like this in his whole career.”
There was excellent news for Arsenal when Henry pledged his future to the Gunners prior to the ceremony.
Henry said: “As long as people are happy with me at Arsenal I want to stay there.
“Arsenal gave me a hand when I was down and if I am among the last three players alongside Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane for the FIFA World Football Player of the Year award, it is thanks to them.
“I want to feel priceless for them and them to be proud of me. I don’t really know what is happening in the background with the transfers and money but I know what I want, and both me and Arsenal are on the same line.”
Such news will delight manager Arsene Wenger who is determined to keep the nucleus of his squad together and resist apparent interest from Chelsea and Barcelona in Henry.
“I have got that feeling of passion for Arsenal, I could talk about it all day. They gave me the chance to be myself by making me play as a centre forward.
“I feel so happy in London, the boss trusts me as well as the fans,” he said.
For Zidane, the 31-year-old playmaker who has hinted at quitting international football after Euro 2004, there were equal measures of surprise, elation and pride.
He said: “This is a great pleasure for me, I am very happy. Once you’ve had it once, you never get bored with the extra ones. I am very glad to have levelled with Ronaldo.
“This is something special for me to have won it over him because for me he is a phenomenon.”
Ronaldo said: “The award went to the best player this year and I think that Zidane really deserved it.
“I feel very happy for him.”
Among other awards, the FIFA Fair Play award went to Celtic’s supporters, Brazil were named the best team in the world.
Bahrain were rewarded for their improvement by winning the “best mover” award for their progress in the world rankings.
Arsenal’s European record might not be as impressive as the likes of Real Madrid but Henry believes that with a few more signings they could challenge the big guns for major honours.
“Obviously we have to win the Champions League and bring some more amazing players to be recognised better,” he added.
“This is a big plan and as far as I am concerned I am fully part of it, there is no way I am going to leave the house now.”
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