Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas praises Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as 'one of the best players'

Former Arsenal hero Cesc Fabregas has sent a grateful message to Thierry Henry after the Gunner legend hung up his boots, saying the French striker is one of the best he has ever played with.

Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, 16 December, after quitting MLS side New York Red Bulls at the age of 37.

Henry revealed he will join Sky Sports as a pundit, putting end to rumours about returning to the Emirates Stadium either to play or to assist Arsene Wenger.

Fabregas played alongside the French legend during three seasons at the Emirates Stadium, winning together the 2004-2005 FA Cup final over Manchester United, while also reaching the Champions League final against Barcelona the following season.

The current Chelsea midfielder has since played for Barcelona, Spain, and the Blues, sharing the field with four-time Ballon D'or winner Lionel Messi, Barcelona legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, and Eden Hazard.

Fabregas has placed Henry among these legendary names, describing him as 'one of the best'.

"Sad to see the end to the career of one of the best players I've ever played with. A true legend @thierryhenry! ;-)," the Chelsea player wrote in his Twitter official account.

Henry is a former former Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona striker won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners, where he played between 1999 and 2007. While being part of one the best Barcelona squads of all time he added the Champions League trophy in 2009. The former French international player also won the World Cup with his national team in 1998.

However, Henry surprisingly failed to win any Ballon D'or, even though in 2003 he was second when former Juventus star Pavel Nedved won it instead.