Thierry Henry: I quit Arsenal because I thought Wenger was going

The French superstar, who retired from the game at the end of last year after a glorious career, told Bein Sports in France that he cried openly after reluctantly coming to the decision to leave.

"I'd never considered leaving Arsenal. But I was 29 years old and in form," he told the TV channel.

"And I did not know if Arsene would be staying."

Henry, a World Cup and European Championship winner with France in 1998 and 2000, admitted that he wept when saying goodbye to the London club.

"It was not easy and when I left I cried. I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm a competitor and I had to leave."

Arsenal were just two years into their trophy drought when Henry left in 2007 - and while he went on to become a Champions League and Liga champion with Barcelona, the Gunners went without silverware until the FA Cup last May.

Henry never expected to win so many new medals with Barcelona, however, having been told in no uncertain terms on his arrival that his £16m purchase would not make him any more than a bit-part player.

"When I arrived at Barcelona, [Pep] Guardiola told me that I was the fourth-choice striker and I would not be starter," Henry said.

"I accepted the challenge and I fought, and competition makes you increase your level. People talk about luck, but you need to create your own.

"When you work, you got the reward at the end."

Henry won the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League in the 2008-09 season with Barcelona, as well as several other trophies before moving on to the New York Red Bulls.

Since retiring he has taken up a job as a pundit with Sky Sports, and is also working towards his coaching badges.