Arsenal legend Thierry Henry calls Dennis Bergkamp his best team-mate ever and Lionel Messi 'not human'

Thierry Henry has claimed that Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp is the best footballer he has played with – and added believes his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi 'might not be human'.

The French international striker formed one of the best Premier League partnerships ever alongside Bergkamp at Arsenal, winning a number of titles including the double in the 2001-2002 campaign, and being also a big part of the Invincibles squad who won the Premier League in the 2003/04 season without losing a match.

The striker later move to the Camp Nou, where under manager Pep Guardiola he shared the attack with both Messi and former Chelsea star Samuel Eto'o, winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey in the 2008-2009 campaign.

Questioned during an interview with Barcelona official website about his best team-mates ever, he said: "The best players I played with? I always say Dennis Bergkamp."

"Bergkamp because of the years that he did it, and for all what he did. But I say Dennis because he was human. That's why. Leo, sometimes, I think, really seriously, I ask myself if he is human."

"All we can do (with Messi) is enjoy what he does. Because what he's doing is not normal ... We used to say that a player who got 23-25 goals in a season was an incredible striker. But Messi does that in three months".

Henry believes there is no doubt that the Argentinian will win his fifth Ballon D'Or on Monday (11 January), while admitting his surprise about the absence of Luis Suarez in the shortlist of candidates.

"I think it would be madness if he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or. He deserves it because the team won another treble. But what I don't understand is why Luis Suárez is not in the shortlist."

"There are only three places. That's the problem...but Suarez has everything, he fights, great movement, he is the right age and obviously he scores goals. He gives something to the team, that especially at Barcelona is very important. It is the hard work that Samuel Eto'o used to do, not just goals."

Henry, meanwhile, has also paid tribute to Neymar, urging him to be the long-term replacement of Messi at the Camp Nou and snub the rumours about a potential move away from the club.

"Everyone knows is important for Neymar to stay. Everyone knows that one day, we don't know when, Leo will not be there. Brazilians have that, they play with a smile in their faces, they invent things. People want to enjoy, to win, to play well."

The France international has also tipped Barcelona to win the Champions League this season over Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain, with the Catalans ready to face Arsenal in the last 16.

"In a single game, Bayern can win it. And you have to be careful with PSG too. You never know what might happen but I still think Barcelona can win it again."