Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry announced his retirement on Tuesday, ending a 20-year career in which he earned a place in the pantheon of modern greats.
Henry, a member of the France teams that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, was linked to a potential coaching role with the Gunners after ending his career with the New York Red Bulls, but announced he will become a TV analyst.
“It has been an incredible journey ... I have had some amazing memories (mostly good), and a wonderful experience. I hope you have enjoyed watching as much as I have enjoyed taking part,” Henry wrote on his Facebook page.
“When they (Henry and Trezeguet) had to take penalties against Italy in the quarterfinals it was no problem, even though there was a weight and a responsibility on their shoulders,” said Didier Deschamps, the then France captain. “It shaped the careers they would go on to have.”
After a disappointing stint at Juventus, Henry bounced back under the helm of Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger. The World Cup winner arrived in London in August 1999, after Wenger’s side was denied back-to-back titles by one point by Manchester United.
After failing to score in his first eight games, Henry netted 26 goals that season and went on to score 226 times in 369 appearances for Arsenal from 1999 to 2007, winning seven trophies.
