Considered one of the greatest strikers and players of all time in the Premier League, Thierry Henry scored a total of 228 goals during his tenure at Arsenal and led France to victory in the 2008 World Cup. Throughout his career, Thierry travelled all over the world on and off the pitch, having played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls. Thierry shares his favourite travel moments…
Favourite Country – I would have to say I have travelled twice to Rio and that is my favourite place. Unlike big towns, Rio has it all. I like the fact that everyone in Brazil listens to samba, eats the same food and the connection is all the same. Rio is always such an eye opener to me as there are very few countries that have a sense of community in the way Rio does.
Family Destination – When it comes to travelling with my family, my four kids are lucky they have the opportunity to travel as their childhood is so different to what mine was. My travel consisted of visiting friends in my neighbourhood. I couldn’t afford to travel. People think I grew up in Paris but I didn’t; I grew up in the suburbs of the city in a place called Les Ulis.
Now my kids are so funny as they think going to the Maldives is alright. They are of the opinion okay we have seen that before but still I try to ensure they know it is not normal to travel as much as they do and I want them to appreciate everything.
When we go on a family holiday we tend to be dictated by the kids, most of the time we stay in a hotel or rent a villa.
Those moments are special moments as it makes me appreciate how far I have come. To explore different cultures and religions is a very meaningful thing. The one country I would love to visit is Australia as I never had a chance to go there as there was never enough time to do so during my football career because of the distance and getting over the jetlag.
I’m proud of being French but I call myself a Londoner.
Travel Essentials – I don’t travel without a hoodie top because my neck is my soft spot and the air conditioning on a plane blasts my neck so I need to protect it. If I sleep on a plane it is always my neck I have to protect so the air con doesn’t affect it. Unlike my partner who uses all sorts of lotions, I’m not someone who is really into beauty and skincare products. My favourite product is a toothbrush, plus perhaps some moisturiser to stop my skin from drying.
Childhood Travel Memory – One of my earliest memories of travelling abroad was when I was playing for the French national team and we visited Faro in Portugal. I must have been around 16 years old at the time and remember being really excited to represent my country. And then my career took me to Monaco and Italy when I was around 16-17 years of age.
Travel Style – Suits because of my work when I need to look smart or have an event to go too. And I love my trainers and T-shirts are a must; I live in them, tracksuits – I live in them too, sunglasses and a cap.
Travel Luggage – I’ve designed a two-piece set with Kabuto and the way you can open and unlock it with your fingerprint – for me is game-changing.
The fact you can expand the case up to 50 per cent is amazing. You never leave the same way you arrive on holiday. This design is a first of its kind. To have luggage that has a fingerprint and is expandable blows me away. I am unsure why nobody has ever thought of it before.
The wheels are 360 degrees too so it is easy to take with you and it has no noise. I also love the fact it has a loop so if I want to hang my suit up it does not crease. The clothes are secure and don’t move in the luggage.
