Twitter Reacts to Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry's Retirement Announcement

There's always a mixture of emotions from supporters when a true great of the game retires, and those feelings were strewn across social media following the news that Thierry Henry has played his last-ever game of professional football.

The French striker—who notched a whopping 175 Premier League goals and remains Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer—hangs up his boots after a glittering career, in which he won the World Cup in 1998, two Premier League titles with the Gunners, as well as two La Liga championships and a Champions League with Barcelona.

Henry will now join up with Sky Sports as a pundit, and they were the first to confirm news of the player's retirement, releasing the following videos:

Arsenal were also quick to pay tribute to their legendary forward, taking a look back at his wonderful career:

As was another of Henry's former clubs, FC Barcelona:

Current Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey was one of the first players from the Emirates to hail his former team-mate:

Theo Walcott also took to Twitter to express his gratitude towards the 37-year-old:

Mesut Ozil claimed that Henry had "enchanted" the football world during his trophy-laden career:

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge followed suit as an outpouring of admiration ensued for arguably the greatest Premier League star of all time:

Former England striker Gary Lineker had this to say:

Henry was tipped in some quarters to make a return to Arsenal, and it's something Henry touched upon after announcing his retirement, per Juliette Ferrington of BBC Sport:

Henry Winter of the Telegraph took a look back at some of the Frenchman's finest moments in the Premier League:

He certainly had some fine days in the iconic red strip but perhaps none quite as special as the night he inspired Arsenal to a 5-1 win over Internazionale at the San Siro, per SameulJayC:

Henry is considered by many as the finest player ever to feature in English football's top flight. Arguably, he was the most complete centre-forward ever seen in the Premier League, and when you look at his calculated strengths and weaknesses, per Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com, it's easy to see why:

Football Vines replayed an interview with Henry, in which he talks about winning the title for the Gunners at White Hart Lane:

"

Thierry Henry talks about winning the title at White Hart Lane! http://t.co/bov7qr7S7A

— Football Vines (@Vine_Football) December 16, 2014"

During his brief punditry appearances so far, Henry has proven himself to be insightful and intelligent. With that in mind, Arseblog claimed he's an excellent acquisition for Sky Sports, while also taking a snipe at some other unnamed experts:

The player's career has spanned the best part of two decades, and most outlets chose to focus on Henry's glory days at Arsenal and Barcelona. Eurosport, however, delved into the Frenchman's younger days. He's certainly come a long way since this picture:

"

LEGEND: Here's Thierry Henry about six weeks before he became a World Cup winner aged 22. pic.twitter.com/RpHuNyiSKD

— Eurosport.com (@EurosportCom_EN) December 16, 2014"

For all the undeniably fine things Henry accomplished in his playing days, there are some who will always remember him for the other reasons, as we can see here courtesy of Paddy Power:

But that instance was a minor blemish on what was a staggeringly successful career. Henry lit up the Premier League during his spell at Arsenal, and for young football supporters growing up, he was the player who really caught the imagination in an incomparable manner.

Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

In some respects, it is a shame that he's going into punditry. There's little doubt he will provide some exceptional insight to the Sky Sports panel that will really enhance the experience of the viewers, but a player of his class and experience should be involved in the game at some level. 

Eventually, the chances are that he will be. But for the time being, we will be able to enjoy Henry lending his views on the Premier League, and if he's half as a good a pundit as he was a player, we're in for a real treat.