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THE LEGEND . . . Thierry Henry has been confirmed as a full-time pundit for Sky Sports after hanging up his boots yesterday. — Mailonline

NEW YORK. – Former World Cup winner and Arsenal’s record goal-scorer Thierry Henry announced his retirement from soccer yesterday, bringing an end to his a glittering 20-year career. The 37-year-old Frenchman scored 51 goals in 123 appearances for his country as he helped them win the 1998 World Cup and European Championships in 2000, while picking up trophies with Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls in a success-laden club career.

The speedy winger made his name in England where he became one of Europe’s most feared strikers after Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger switched him to a central role following his arrival from Juven- tus.

He scored 228 goals for the Londoners in two spells, winning two English Premier League titles before moving to Spanish giants Barcelona where he won a pair of La Liga crowns and the Champions League in 2009.

“It has been an incredible journey and I would like to thank all the fans, teammates 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,” he said in a statement.

“It is now time for a different career path.

“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.”

He left the Red Bulls earlier this month at the end of his four-year contract in Major League Soccer, saying he needed time to contemplate his next move.

On Tuesday Henry said he had taken up a role as a television pundit with Sky Sports in Britain starting next year.

The French forward joins Sky’s already strong line-up of analysts including Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp.

Henry will be remembered as one of the best strikers the English Premier League has ever seen after what he achieved at Arsenal.

Having moved to north London from Juventus in 1999, the Frenchman spent eight years as a Gunner and became a legend at the club.

Henry had been tipped to go into management once he hung up his boots and while he will be joining Sky in the studio, he has not ruled out a career in the dugout.

He told Sky Sports: “I don’t know if I can be a good coach or not, but the desire is there. We’ll see. Just because you can play the game doesn’t mean you can teach it – dealing with egos and lifting people.”

But Henry did admit he did not think a third return to Arsenal was not a good idea.

“We didn’t talk too much about that,” said Henry. “How many comebacks do you make? It would have turned into a bad movie. It would have been like the film ‘Rocky’, you like the first one but what about the last one?”

Sportsmail columnist and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said: “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 English 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.”

And Sportsmail and Sky’s Jamie Redknapp added: “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.”

Theo Walcott was on Twitter after hearing the news, thanking Henry for inspiring him at Arsenal.

The England ace said: “A true inspiration to me in my career. Thank you @Thierryhenry & good luck in your new path with @skysports.”- Soccernet.