Thierry Henry splits from wife

The former Arsenal striker, who recently completed a £16 million move to Barcelona, said he was "extremely saddened" at the breakdown of his marriage to Claire, also known by her modelling name, Nicole Merry.

The couple, who married in a lavish ceremony at Highclere Castle, Berkshire, in July 2003, have a two-year-old daughter Tea.

French international Henry, 29, had been dating the English model for two years at the time of their marriage. The pair starred together in the famous "va va voom" adverts for Renault Clio.

A statement from Mishcon de Reya solicitors on behalf of Henry said: "Thierry is extremely saddened by the breakdown of his marriage. He is anxious to move on with his life and maintain the best possible relationship he can with Claire for the benefit of their daughter Tea, whom he loves very much.

"Thierry would like to stress that contrary to reports in the press, his move to Barcelona was entirely for footballing reasons.

"We would ask the media to kindly respect the privacy of both parties at this difficult time."

It added Henry would make no further comment.

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