In the biggest free agent signing this summer, New York’s Major League Soccer franchise introduced its newest forward, French superstar Thierry Henry.

Henry is one of the latest Designated Players to join a Major League Soccer squad, joining the New York Red Bulls following the completion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Designated Player rule allows MLS franchises to compete for international superstars, enabling them to offer large contracts that do not count against the league’s salary cap.

Henry comes to MLS after an outstanding career in Europe. Best known for his stint with London-based Arsenal FC, Henry played with the Gunners for eight seasons, three of which he was awarded the honor of team captain. The French striker spent his last three seasons at Barcelona, to whom he was transferred on June 25, 2007 for 24 million euro.

In nine games for the Red Bulls this season, Henry has scored two goals and has been credited with two assists, and his European experience has raised the level of play of his teammates, as well as his opponents.

But the arrival of Henry is noticeable off the field as well. In their first season in the $200 million Red Bull Arena, the Red Bulls have seen a hike in attendance, drawing an average 40 percent larger crowd than last season. Even on the road, Henry and the Red Bulls routinely sell out opposing venues, as fans come out to get a rare glimpse of an international soccer star.

Henry has handled his role as a team leader with class and dignity, yet in last Thursday’s match he was involved in a questionable celebration following a New York Red Bulls goal, severely injuring FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

Yet, hesitant to suspend the league’s biggest new star, the MLS disciplinary committee only mustered up the courage to tag Henry with a $2,000 fine. Slated to make $5.6 million this season, Henry will earn back the penalty in one minute of playing time.

‘The ball was there and like I do sometimes, I just wanted to kick the ball back in the net,’ an apologetic Henry said after the game. ‘He put his foot out there and that’s how he got injured. That was unfortunate.’

Hartman will be sidelined for two to three weeks, a big loss for a Dallas team that has not lost since May. Hartman has put together an MVP-caliber season, yet this late-season injury may put him out of the running.

‘I’m pretty bummed about it,’ Hartman said following the game. ‘You obviously want to play as much as possible and to have to come out because of an injury that happens pretty much in dead time is disappointing.’

FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman discussed filing a complaint with league executives, citing that Henry’s actions deserve a suspension from league play. MLS officials promised fans that the decorated striker was here to add to his legacy, not bask in it. Coached through press conferences, Henry consistently reassured fans that this league offered competitive soccer and an opportunity for new challenges.

But in the midst of trying to establish the MLS as a legitimate association, it is vital to the league’s standing that its most well-known players take the field every week. Spectators flock to watch them play, and as long as they are healthy, the league will refuse to keep them off the field.

Ironically, Henry and the Red Bulls are slated to face David Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy this weekend. In what may be considered the league’s most anticipated match of the season, Henry will be sidelined due to a sprained MCL in his right knee.