Thierry Henry in marriage break-up

Footballer Thierry Henry has split from his wife of four years, his solicitor has confirmed.
The former Arsenal striker, who recently completed a 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 Téa, 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."

Hill-Wood: Henry was making excuses

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has denied Henry's claims for leaving the Gunners due to manager Arsène Wenger's refusal to sign a new contract and dismissed Henry's claims as 'just excuses'.
Henry ended his eight-year association with the Gunners on Monday when he completed his £16.1 million move to Catalan giants Barcelona.
The French international claimed that the situation at the club, former vice-chairman David Dein's departure last April, and Wenger's uncertain future to continue as Arsenal manager, were the reasons behind his decision.
But Hill-Wood said: "I am not particularly worried about what Thierry said but whether it really influenced his decision or not we will have to wait and see.
"We certainly don't think Thierry Henry going and Arsène Wenger's contract situation are in any way linked. That was just an excuse."
And Hill-Wood hopes that Wenger, who has vowed to see out the remaining year on his present contract despite being linked with a possible move away from the North London club, will remain with the Gunners, even if he does not sign a new deal this summer.
He added: "I am really hopeful he will extend but at this moment I am only in a position of hoping.
"I've no reason to think that he won't but at the same time I have no reason to believe he will say yes. Certainly we would like to see him sign a new contract - we have made no secret about that.
"But we have not talked any details about anything with him or the board. We will wait and see what he wants to do.
"Then we can sit down and discuss things if he is positive about it. I am very relaxed. We are in good shape."