Thierry Henry explains reasons behind Arsenal exit

Thierry Henry has revealed that he left Arsenal in 2007 because of Arsene Wenger's uncertain future at the club.

The Frenchman joined Barcelona in a £16m deal after eight successful years with the Gunners, despite being told by Pep Guardiola that he would not be a regular starter at Camp Nou.

Henry has revealed that he did not want to leave Arsenal and cried when his time at the club came to an end.

"I never considered leaving Arsenal. But I was 29 years old and in form, I thought all the guys left and I did not know if Arsene [Wenger] would be staying," he told BeIn Sports.

"It was not easy and when I left I cried. I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm a competitor and I had to leave. When I arrived at Barcelona, Guardiola told me that I was the fourth-choice striker and I would not be starter.

"I accepted the challenge and I fought, and competition makes you increase your level. People talk about luck, but you need to create you own. When you work, you got the reward at the end."

Henry, who retired from football in December, returned to Arsenal on a short-term loan deal from the New York Red Bulls in 2012.