Thierry Henry spoke to Mamdani about his deep connection to New York: "I always went for Colombian food to Queens"

Thierry Henry, the former French footballer who played for the New York Red Bulls from 2010 to 2014, spoke with Mayor’s Office spokesperson Zohran Mamdani about his deep connection to New York City. The conversation, published on August 8, highlighted Henry's long-standing ties to the city, which he has called home since 1995. He mentioned that his son was born there and that Colombian food in Queens became his preferred Latin alternative due to its similarity to the flavors of Guadeloupe and Martinique. During the brief dialogue, Henry described his initial experience upon arriving in New York in 1995. He recalled being overwhelmed by the city's vastness, noting that each corner reminded him of scenes from television. Over time, this sense of wonder evolved into a lasting personal bond, strengthened by both his family life and his professional career in the metropolitan area. His tenure with the New York Red Bulls began on July 14, 2010, as a designated player. During five seasons with the team, Henry appeared in 122 matches, scoring 51 goals and providing 42 assists. This period solidified his emotional and cultural attachment to the city, making New York an integral part of his identity. When asked about finding a restaurant in New York that reflected the Caribbean cuisine of his origin, Henry explained that while he could not find a specific Guadeloupian establishment, he found Jamaican-style cooking, which he felt resembled his native region. However, he emphasized that Colombian food in Queens was more akin to the flavors of his homeland. He noted that he often visited Colombian restaurants in Queens for meals that reminded him of home. Although Henry did not name a specific restaurant or dish, the choice reflects demographic patterns. A U.S.-based academic study showed that the Colombian population in New York has historically concentrated in Queens, which housed approximately three-quarters of the city's Colombian residents since 1990. This concentration explains the availability of Colombian cuisine for those living or visiting the city. Queens holds special significance for Latinos in New York, according to Henry. He described the borough as a place where diverse foods and products can be found within close proximity. In his discussion, he compared Queens to other areas like the Bronx, where Italian cuisine is more prevalent, highlighting how Queens embodies the city's multicultural essence. The conversation concluded with memories of Henry's return to Arsenal in 2012, when he scored against Leeds United in the FA Cup. He described that moment as the first time he felt like a true fan of the club. Despite this milestone, Henry made it clear that New York occupies a unique and enduring place in his personal history.