Thierry Henry retires: Former Arsenal striker's best five matches

From Euro 2000 to the final match at Highbury in 2006, Henry's career has been filled with highlights that saw him become one of the best striker's in the world

Duncan Bech
Tuesday 16 December 2014 11:33 GMT
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Henry scored twice in the famous 5-1 victory over Inter Milan
Henry scored twice in the famous 5-1 victory over Inter Milan (Getty Images)

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Thierry Henry has announced his retirement from football.

Here, we take a look at Henry's top five matches.

Inter Milan 1 Arsenal 5 - November 2003

Arsenal arrived at the San Siro knowing defeat would result in a group exit from the Champions League and man of the match Henry duly delivered the thrills. With the score delicately poised at 2-1, Henry fired a sublime third with five minutes to go, prompting a late collapse by Inter.

Arsenal 4 Liverpool 2 - April 2004

Arsenal's mighty 'Invincibles' almost saw their unbeaten run come to an end when Liverpool surged 2-1 ahead only for Henry, who had already scored once, to inspire a fightback that saved the Gunners' season. He set up the equaliser for Robert Pires before adding another two himself.

Henry celebrates scoring against Liverpool in 2004

Real Madrid 0 Arsenal 1 - February 2006

It took a breathtaking solo effort from Henry to break the deadlock two minutes into the second half as injury-hit Arsenal became the first English team to win at the Bernabeu. After receiving the ball in the centre circle, Henry breezed past four players before steering a cool left-footed finish past Iker Casillas.

Henry celebrates after scoring against Real Madrid in 2006

Arsenal 4 Wigan 2 - May 2006

The nerves of Arsenal fans were jangling when Wigan took a 2-1 lead in the club's final match at Highbury, but typically it was Henry who ignited a fitting finale to the arena that had been home for 93 years by completing his ninth hat-trick for the club. The result, combined with Tottenham's defeat by West Ham, meant Arsenal had beaten their north London rivals to the final Champions League spot in the process.

Henry scores a penalty in Arsenal's final match at Highbury against Wigan

France 2 Italy 1 - July 2000

Henry had not appeared in the World Cup final two years previous, but he made his mark at Euro 2000 scoring three goals and was named man of the match in the final.

Henry was foiled by Francesco Toldo in the 2000 European Championship final
Henry was foiled by Francesco Toldo in the 2000 European Championship final (Getty Images)

He did not score in Rotterdam, but hit the post early on and was a handful all night for the Italian back line and, were it not for the brilliance of Francesco Toldo, who kept Henry out numerous times, the match which needed extra-time to find a winner, would have been over a lot sooner.

PA

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