Arsenal Star Thierry Henry Retiring: Gunners & France's All Time Leading Striker Reveals Why He's Quitting Sport

Thierry Henry, legendary Arsenal and France striker, is retiring. The World Cup-winning superstar left the New York Red Bulls after they were knocked out of MLS playoff contention earlier this month, which prompted speculation Arsenal's all-time leading goal scorer would return to the London club for the Premier League season. In his career filled with accolades, he won the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey with Barcelona (2009), the Premier League twice and the FA Cup three times with Arsenal, and also took home a FIFA World Cup (1998) and Euro championship (2000) representing France. He was also a French captain, and his country's all time leading goal scorer.

.@Arsenal legend @ThierryHenry has announced his retirement... pic.twitter.com/Q6KnIpsP9Y

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 16, 2014

In a statement on his Facebook, the 37 year old Henry said:

"After 20 years in the game I have decided to retire from professional football. It has been an incredible journey and I would like to thank all the fans, team mates and individuals involved with AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal FC, FC Barcelona, the New York Red Bulls and of course the French National Team that have made my time in the game so special.

It is now time for a different career path and I am pleased to say that I will be returning to London and joining Sky Sports. I will hopefully share some of the insights, observations and experiences I have learnt over the years with you guys.

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..."

As ESPN report, Henry heads Arsenal's all-time goal scoring list, having knocked in "228 goals in 377 games across two different spells," and also scored 51 goals in 123 games for France.

Henry began his career at Monaco (1992-1999), moved to Juventus (1999) and eventually landed at Arsenal where, as ESPN report, manager Arsene Wenger signed Henry "for 11 million pounds in 1999, and immediately shifted him from the wing to a central striking position."

He would enjoy tremendous success with the Gunners from 1999 through to 2007, when he moved to Barcelona, where he was a part of that club;s historic treble, winning the Spanish La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League. In 2010 he moved to American MLS side the New York Red Bulls, where he finished his career, after a number of 'on loan' stints with Arsenal.

Congratulations @ThierryHenry on a great career. True @arsenal legend! pic.twitter.com/t3YC7phshb

— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) December 16, 2014

As the BBC report, Henry will remain in football, saying, "Henry is joining Sky Sports after being a World Cup pundit for the BBC."

After the announcement, Henry also posted a message of thanks, saying he was "Overwhelmed by all your messages and support. Thank you to all."

What do you think: where does Henry rank as one of the greatest strikers of all time? Who was more feared in his prime?