Thierry Henry signs for Sao Paulo with £52m release clause – but things aren’t quite as they seems

SAO PAULO have completed the signing of Thierry Henry… a teenage sensation who was on their academy books.

The 16-year-old centre-forward has been honing his craft in the club’s famous Cotia Academy for several years and has received rave reviews.

INSTAGRAM@T.HENRYSOUZASao Paulo handed teenage striker Thierry Henry Souza his first professional contract this week[/caption]

AFPThe 16-year-old is seemingly named after Arsenal and France icon – Thierry Henry[/caption]

The 6’2 starlet was prolific for the club’s Under-15s in the 2021/22 season, scoring 15 goals and racking up two assists in 15 appearances.

Henry – full name Thierry Henry Souza – has continued to impress Sao Paulo coaches, so much so the Brazilian giants handed him his first professional contract earlier this week.

An elated Henry took to Instagram and wrote: “Thankful to God for everything!

“Today I signed my first professional contract with @saopaulofc.

“I wanted to thank my family and @ppsportmanagement @ffpagency, for always being there!”

News of Henry’s signing quickly spread throughout the footie world, with fans quick to point out the glaringly obvious fact he was named after an Arsenal and France icon.

One commented: “Henry was already at Barca when this kid was born.

“Definitely named directly after him. Time is mad.”

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EPAThierry Henry dumped Brazil out of the World Cup in 2006 – the same year Sao Paulo’ new striker was born[/caption]

Another said: “Return Of The King.”

And another said: “Thierry Henrinho.”

One remarked: ” A Thierry Henry That’s 16, Plays For Sao Paulo? Did the World Stop Spinning Or something?”

One even pointed out Henry’s year of birth coincided with the 2006 World Cup, in which France and the original Henry eliminated Brazil at the quarter-final stage.

They commented: “He was born in 2006, [the] same year Thierry Henry (alongside Zinedine Zidane) trashed the all-star Brazillian team and eliminated us from the World Cup.

“What kind of sadist Brazillian would name his son after this guy? Hahaha.”

Arsenal fans soon got wind of the signing and called for the club to snap him up, with one saying: “[Edu] Gaspar do your thing.”

Another said: “The only natural fit in England is of course Arsenal.”

And another said: “Will need to sign him soon for the chance to play Henry and Vieira together again.”

One remarked: “Edu is already firing up the grill.”

Another chimed in: “We gotta get him ASAP.”