Thierry Henry sat at the end of the dais. Two seats to his right sat David Beckham. In between? Well, Brad Davis is a legitimate All-Star but the trio did have the look of the classic “Who doesn’t belong here and why?” joke.

Still, it really didn’t matter who was sitting between Henry and Beckham on Monday because the difference in the attitude of Major League Soccer’s two biggest superstars was practically chasm-like.

Henry, at age 33, talked about his commitment to the league while the 36-year-old Beckham discussed his desire — once again — to play for England if given another chance.

"I'm done with Europe. I had my career over there," Henry said at a news conference to promote Wednesday night's MLS All-Star Game against Manchester United at Red Bull Arena. "I was fortunate to win everything on the national team and club level. My intention and my desire is here."

That has been Henry’s stance since signing a four-and-a-half-year contract on July 14, 2010. No waffling. No pangs of regret. Just a commitment to MLS and the promise to do his best to help the team win championships.

More MLS All-Star Game coverage:

• Landon Donovan to miss MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena

• Red Bulls coach Hans Backe has found success now after bouncing around Europe

• MLS Commissioner Don Garber talks about growth of league with All-Star Game headed to Red Bull Arena

“It has been more than amazing for me,” Henry said about his first year in the league. “The people are responding well. The fans are coming to the games. There are some amazing players in this league, many who may have a future in Europe. I’m surprised at the level and physicality of the league.”

Henry was a legend at Arsenal, winning two English Premier League titles, including the unbeaten season of 2003 and 2004, and three FA Cups. He also won four scoring titles, and when he signed with Barcelona in 2007, he left as Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer in all competitions with 226 goals.

With Barcelona, Henry won two Spanish league titles, the Copa del Rey and the European Champions League. Following the 2009-10 season, with Barcelona looking to get younger, Henry was free to leave. Clubs lined up to woo him but he saw something in MLS — a chance to play soccer in the shadow of New York and live in relative anonymity in the most populated city in the United States.

“I had it in my mind for four or five months. Coming here was always the only option for me,” Henry said at the time. “I wanted to play for the Red Bulls and for New York. I love the city. It was a no-brainer for me. My sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship.”

That was not possible last year. Having arrived during the summer transfer window following a full European season and a summer World Cup in which France was eliminated in the group stage, Henry arrived exhausted. By the time he was healthy and in sync with his teammates the season was coming to an end. With just two goals in 11 games, there were rumblings Henry and his $5.6 million salary might not have been the best of signings.

This year, with Henry healthy and fit, that talk is long gone. In 18 games, he leads MLS with 11 goals and has shown bursts of speed and moves he taunted defenders with in his younger days.

While Beckham, with his two goals and eight assists, is hoping for an England recall, Henry would not even be receptive to a phone call from France coach Laurent Blanc, Henry’s teammate on the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship teams.

“I wanted to be able to come here and be here,” Henry said. “I couldn’t see myself going back and forth. I’m 100 percent committed to the club and I want to be here every day.”

Frank Giase: fgiase@starledger.com