Henry, Shearer first inductees of Premier League Hall of Fame

Former England striker Alan Shearer and ex-French international Thierry Henry became the first inductees of English Premier League Hall of Fame.

“Two centre-forwards, both gifted with natural skill and talent who have written their names in Premier League history.  We’re delighted to announce Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry as the first two inductees of the #PLHallOfFame,’’ the EPL tweeted yesterday.

Shearer, 50, scored 260 premier league goals during his stints at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. While at Blackburn in 1995, Shearer lifted the EPL trophy.

Henry on the other hand scored 175 goals in 258 matches for Arsenal. Henry lifted the premier league trophy twice with the Gunners, and was part of the 2003/2004 invincibles.

Shearer, the St James Park legend paid a tribute to his former colleagues while playing with the Magpies.

BBC Sport quotes him saying, “When you look at some of the unbelievable players to have graced the Premier League – week in, week out, year in, year out – I feel very honoured to join the Hall of Fame,” 

“I have to thank all of my team-mates, as well as the managers and coaches that I’ve worked with.

“All I ever wanted to be was a professional footballer. It was my dream to do that, my dream to win trophies and my dream to score at St James’ Park, to wear the number nine black-and-white shirt and it was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Henry was also quoted saying, “To be inducted alongside Alan Shearer as the two first inductees into the Premier League Hall of Fame is more than special,” said 43-year-old Henry.

“When I was young, I was just trying to make sure I could get a pair of boots and now we’re talking about the Hall of Fame.

“During my career I wanted to play hard and make sure I was fighting for the cause, because that’s all the fans want to see.”