Thierry Henry Confirms Status as Soccer Artist, Paints Red Bulls’ Mural With Tristan Eaton

Add “artist” to Thierry Henry‘s resume. The New York Red Bulls’ striker joined pop-artist Tristan Eaton to create a 24-by-21 foot mural in an ambitious coming together of art and sports.

In a presentation owing much to the board game “Mouse Trap,” the former Arsenal and FC Barcelona forward was charged with striking a soccer ball at circular targets hanging above the blank mural. Upon impact, the piece’s various panels unfolded one-by-one to gradually reveal Eaton’s full work.

The two worked for months prior to the unique unveiling of the bull-inspired mural in Manhattan on Friday and Henry couldn’t hide his delight at seeing the project come to fruition.

“It was really special seeing it all come together,” said the Frenchman. “I have a huge admiration for the type of pop and modern art that Tristan does, plus we have our love for Marvel Comics in common, so it was easy to connect.”

For Eaton’s part, the art-in-motion expert was excited at the chance to work with an athlete of Henry’s caliber.

“It was a long process; I built the structure in pieces, so it was quite a sight to see it come together,” Eaton said.

“It was also awesome to give a superstar like Thierry a challenge and make him sweat.”

Though unveiled in Midtown, the massive bull mural will migrate to Harrison, New Jersey and take up permanent residence at Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls currently sit in 3rd place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and will be counting upon the former Arsenal legend to carry them down the stretch.

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Photo via Flickr/Structures:NYC