They said he was finished when he left Arsenal for Barcelona. Well, this being a rather cynical 'they'. And, based on his first season at Camp Nou, they had a point.
Then came 2008-09, the Triplete, and a real comeback from the French legend, who has justified his price tag and then some.
For one thing, he managed not only to play most games, but also finish them - a far cry from his injury-battered initial campaign.
In doing so, he had no shortage of goals, either. He was of course one third of that forward line that managed over 100 goals in the league alone - never mind other competitions.
Memorable occasions include his hat-trick against Valencia in December 2008, and a series of late goals - not least that against Sevilla in spring - that served both to make emphatic Barcelona victories but also to remind the world that 'Titi' was back.
The Champions | Henry was a CL hotshot
The same applies in Europe, wherein Henry was back to his best.
Over the course of the campaign the Frenchman hit five goals - he didn't net in the final, of course, but he almost single-handedly drove the Blaugrana past Lyon, first by equalising at the Gerland and then scoring twice in the Camp Nou whitewash.
The joy in his play was back, and with it came results. The previous year was one of preoccupation - with injury, with having left London, with personal problems - but this time around it was all about the football, and it showed in abundance.
An easier manner with the press made itself seen, too, as Henry began to grow into his role as a new Catalan. It's one that he should continue for years to come. And if he can play even half as well as he did in the historic Triplete season, the fans won't complain.
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