Henry makes sad exit

Thierry Henry admits he will miss Arsenal and claims he will be a "Gunner for life" despite his impending departure.

The London club's record goalscorer is on the brink of completing a reported £16million move to Barcelona and is due in Catalonia to finalise terms on Sunday and is expected to be unveiled on Monday, but he claims he leaves with a heavy heart.

"Arsenal will always be in my blood and in my heart and I will always remember you guys," the 29-year-old told Arsenal TV. "I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I didn't lie because once you are a Gunner you will always a Gunner. The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever."

He added: "I am going to miss everybody. It's going to be a huge miss. I will become now an Arsenal fan and look always for the result.

"I always gave 100%. I hope you appreciate what I did here. I appreciated what you did for me."

Henry has cited the uncertainty over manager Arsene Wenger's future and the recent departure of former vice chairman David Dein as factors in his decision to head for Spain.

He added: "I would like to thank everybody I have been involved with at Arsenal, especially the boss and Mr Dein."

Meanwhile, Barcelona have confirmed Henry is due in Spain on Sunday evening to put the finishing touches to his move.

Should the transfer be finalised on Sunday Henry is set to undergo his medical with the Spanish giants on Monday before being presented as the club's first major summer signing in the afternoon.