Henry divorce 'could cost him £7m'
The wife of footballer Thierry Henry can expect a multimillion-pound payout in any divorce settlement, legal experts said.
The former Arsenal striker's wife Claire, also known by her modelling name Nicole Merry, can expect to walk away from the four-year marriage with up to £7 million, commentators predicted.
French international Henry, who recently signed for FC Barcelona in a £16 million transfer deal, said he was "extremely saddened" at the breakdown of his marriage to the model, who starred alongside him in the famous "va va voom" adverts for Renault Clio.
The couple, who married in a lavish ceremony at Highclere Castle, Berkshire, in July 2003, have a two-year-old daughter Tea.
Marilyn Stowe, of Grahame Stowe Bateson, said any settlement would leave Ms Merry a "very wealthy woman" but she said it was unlikely that she would receive half of Henry's estimated £21 million fortune.
Henry could argue that he made a "stellar contribution" to the marriage through his footballing earnings. "It is hard to imagine someone who is more successful in his field than Thierry Henry. He is one of the best footballers in the world, if he cannot make the stellar contribution argument who can?" she said.
Mrs Stowe said the courts would look at how much money was made before the marriage and how much the couple earned while they were married, when deciding a settlement. A court would also ensure their daughter was well provided for.
"She is going to be extremely comfortable, with substantial maintenance for the child," Mrs Stowe said.
"I would have thought she would get between £6 and 7 million. I think the court would take the view that because he has been so successful it would be inappropriate to divide the assets 50/50 but they would weigh that against her needs and lifestyle."
She said the couple have the option of divorcing in Britain or France.
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