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'Thierry Henry got me into sport' English footballer hails Arsenal legend's inspiration
THIERRY HENRY has inspired many footballers, but not many like Jay Ajayi.
Thierry Henry is better known for his skills with his feet than his hands
The 22-year-old was born in London but moved to the USA before starting high school, and now plays running back for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.
But Ajayi started his life playing with a round ball, watching the Invincibles dominate English football.
"My dad wouldn’t have let me or my brothers live in the house if we weren’t Arsenal fans, and it was always on TV whenever they were playing," said Ajayi.
"Growing up I played soccer, and I looked up to guys like Thierry Henry; he’s probably one of my biggest role models, and he really got me into playing sports.
"To see how great he was for Arsenal, and of course the Invincibles team - it was a special time to be able to watch Arsenal win the league and everything else."
Ajayi went from Hackney to Maryland, before settling in Texas, where having shown an early aptitude for American football, he made his name as a fiercely strong runner with the ball in hand.
The 22-year-old Brit in action for Miami Dolphins
He then went to Boise State in Idaho to play college football, before being drafted earlier this year by the Dolphins.
Miami did even travel to his hometown this season to play first of the 2015 NFL International series, although Ajayi missed out through injury.
And although he now concentrates more on the American version, Ajayi still keeps up with his beloved Arsenal as much as he can.
"I watched that great win over Zagreb, and I’m hopeful that 2015 can be our year," Ajayi added.
"Whenever I have time and it fits into our schedule I’ll watch the games, but if not then I’ll try to record them if I can find them in the TV guide."