(London) Forwards Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer, both authors of 435 Premier League goals, were the first two players nominated on Monday to be inducted into English soccer’s “Hall of Fame”.
The two French and English center forwards have won the title of top scorer in the championship four times and three times respectively.
Henry, two-time English champions, was part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles”, which under Arsene Wenger ended the 2003–2004 season without a loss.
World champion in 1998 with France, where he is still the top scorer in history, with 51 goals in 123 caps, he surpassed 20 goals per season in five consecutive campaigns between 2001 and 2006.
“To be selected alongside Alan Shearer to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame is more than special,” Henry said in the statement.
“When I was younger I was just trying to make sure I could find myself a pair of shoes and now we’re talking about the Hall of Fame,” he continued.
Shearer, who headlined with Blackburn in 1994–1995, is the all-time Premier League goalscorer record holder with 260 goals in 14 seasons with Blackburn and Newcastle.
Photo Aud Andersen, Agency France-Presse Archives
Alan Shearer with Newcastle in 2002
“When you look at the incredible players who have played week after week, season after season in the Premier League, I feel very honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” admitted the former national team captain.
“I just wanted to be a professional player. It was my dream to get there, my dream to win trophies and my dream to score at St. James’ Park (home of the Magpies) wearing the number nine white and black jersey, and it was fantastic. I took advantage of every minute,” he said.
Six other players, who will be chosen by a fan vote that runs through May 2, will join Shearer and Henry in the Hall of Fame from a list of 23 names that will be revealed later today.
Amateur web specialist. General food junkie. Typical zombie enthusiast. Avid music trailblazer. Lifelong explorer.
