Thierry Henry retires: How the world of football has reacted
Opponents, team-mates and admirers hail a Premier League legend
Tuesday 16 December 2014 15:47, UK
The world of football has been reacting to the news that Thierry Henry has called time on his glittering playing career.
The Frenchman lifted more than 35 major individual and team trophies for France, Arsenal, Barcelona, Monaco and New York Red Bulls and will now start a new chapter as a football expert and ambassador for Sky Sports.
Past and present players have been sharing their personal memories of Henry, so here’s a snapshot of what’s been said on the day he hung up his boots…
Theo Walcott (Arsenal): A true inspiration to me in my career. Thank you @ThierryHenry & good luck in your new path with @SkySports
Gary Neville (Sky Sports): “We were blessed in this country to see Thierry playing at his peak, potentially one of the greatest players in the world and even if you supported another team you couldn’t help but enjoy watching him play. It’s always a shame when such a career comes to an end, but it’s very much Sky Sports’ gain and I look forward to working with him.”
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal): Congratulations on an outstanding career @ThierryHenry. Top player. Top guy. #Legend
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea): Sad to see the end to the career of one of the best players I've ever played with. A true legend @ThierryHenry!
Jamie Carragher (Sky Sports): “Defenders everywhere will be breathing a sigh of relief that he has hung his boots up, he was certainly the toughest opponent I ever faced and possibly the best player the Premier League has seen. I would have loved him to be on the same team as me during my playing career, I’m delighted we’re finally on the same side.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): Was a honour to have played alongside this man! My idol and a big inspiration to my career... #KingHenry
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool): Happy retirement to my hero and idol @ThierryHenry. Wish you all the best in the next chapter.
Charlie Austin (QPR): Thierry Henry is a legend of the game! He scored so many goals for Arsenal and throughout his career and was one of a few reasons why Arsenal went the season unbeaten! Enjoy your retirement and I'm looking forward to seeing you on Sky Sports as a pundit!
Jamie Redknapp (Sky Sports): “I know from playing against Thierry how good a player he was and Sky Sports viewers are in for a treat. His game was built around incredible pace, power and finishing, not to mention the ability to read the game better than most. His views will be fascinating and I can’t wait to work alongside him.”
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): Once you enchanted all of us - now I can only say: Thanks for everything! @ThierryHenry #ArsenalLegend
Alex Song (West Ham): It was an absolute pleasure to share a pitch with the legend... Thierry Henry. Good luck with your next step.
