Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has said that Arsene Wenger will leave behind an 'untouchable legacy' when he walks away from the club at the end of the season.

A year before his latest contract was due to expire, the Frenchman announced on Friday morning that he will depart the club that he has called home for more than two decades.

Henry was brought to Arsenal by Wenger in 1999, going on to score 228 times for the Londoners, and the now-retired striker claims that his fellow Frenchman can bow out with his head held high, despite some tough times in recent years.

"Recently, people were always confusing what the team were doing at present with his legacy," he told Sky Sports News. "Once you announce you are leaving, people are going to talk about your legacy, and his legacy is untouchable. I'm happy now we can talk about that legacy.

"Yes, let's not forget we need to win the Europa League, let's not get lost in celebrating, it would be an amazing achievement and a great way to give him an exit. But I'm finally happy that now, the talk we can all have his about his legacy.

"It was a bit of a mixed one; it's a sad day for me to see the big man leaving the club, and happy in the way that people are hopefully going to give him the exit he deserves.

"I think recently it has been really hard for him, and the club, let's not forget about the club because it's about them too. I hope, starting from Sunday, people are going to go to the game, not only to see one of his last games, but to give him a good exit."

Henry refused to comment on whether he would be interested in succeeding Wenger, although he did admit in February that it would be a "dream" job for him.