PARIS:

In announcing the end of a distinguished 20-year career, Thierry Henry made it clear where he felt more cherished.

It wasn't France, for which he won the 1998 World Cup, remains the national team's leading goal-scorer, and second-most capped player. Henry, who speaks French, English and Spanish, decided to announce his retirement by posting a message in English on his Facebook page, and via a statement from his future employer, Sky Sports in Britain.

"The English have made a statue of him, but in France, he has not always been recognised at his full worth," said Frederic Thiriez, the president of the French league. "(He) will, nonetheless, remain a legend. He was an exceptional striker."

The 37-year-old Henry was linked to a potential coaching role with Arsenal after ending his career at the New York Red Bulls, but said he will become a TV analyst.

Henry holds the French record of 51 goals in 123 internationals, but he never achieved the same popularity as Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, Raymond Kopa or even Just Fontaine. He started his career at Monaco, played briefly for Juventus, and won more trophies at Barcelona. But it's at Arsenal, from 1999 to 2007, where he joined the pantheon of modern greats.

He won seven trophies at Arsenal, among them two Premier Leagues, including the unbeaten 2003-04 side. He is their leading goalscorer all-time (228), in the Premier League (175) and in Europe (42).

Henry, who was born in the tough Parisian suburb of Les Ulis, started playing football at the age of six, and his talent did not stay unnoticed for long. Nurtured at the national football centre alongside Nicolas Anelka and David Trezeguet, the astute, fast, and technical forward started his professional career at Monaco, where he won the French league in 1997.