After playing 915 games and scoring a total of 411 goals (at international and club level), Thierry Henry has announced his retirement from football. The Paris-born star commenced his youth career at AS Monaco where he joined Arsene Wenger. In August 1994, he made his professional debut. Henry flourished with Les Rouges et Blancs, helping them to win the 1996/97 French Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals in the 1997/98 UEFA Champions League season.
A promising spell in France was followed by a bad stint at Juventus in 1999, where he netted only three goals in 16 matches as a winger and failed to showcase his true potential as a striker. Thierry Henry soon reunited with Arsene Wenger; this time, at Arsenal where his 8-year career turned him into a living legend.
In the meantime, he made a name for himself at international level by clinching 123 caps and winning the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.
At club level, he then adventured himself into Spanish football with FC Barcelona, and Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls. Thierry Henry scooped a wide range of individual awards as well and is regarded as one of English football’s greatest strikers ever.
“It has been an incredible journey,” the 37-year-old declared upon retiring on Tuesday.
“I would like to thank all the fans, team-mates and individuals involved with AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, the New York Red Bulls and of course the French national team that have made my time in the game so special.
“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. See you on the other side!”
This other side is the studio at Sky Sports where Henry will join the team as a pundit. The deal is worth £25M.
Football icon Thierry Henry explains why he is joining Sky Sports
