Top 5 French players who have played in the English Premier League

#5 Thierry Henry (1999-2007, 2011-2012)

Thierry Henry

Often dubbed as the greatest ever foreign player to have graced Premier League pitches, Thierry Henry arrived at Highbury a relative unknown but left the Emirates as one of the most-feared and classiest strikers of his generation.

The Paris-born forward left Juventus and moved across the English Channel in 1999 for an estimated fee of £11 million. At north London, he reunited with former manager Arsene Wenger, who was determined that the former Monaco man was the right successor to Nicolas Anelka. The French tactician transformed Henry from a traditional left-winger to a striker, a decision that the Gunners were rewarded for immensely in the years that came.

Remembered for his sublime goals and skill, Henry registered a staggering 176 goals and 76 assists in 258 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, winning the division's Golden Boot a record four times. He helped the London giants to two league titles, including a double and the famed 'Invincible' campaign, as well as two FA Cups. He also helped the side to the 2006 Champions League final as captain but failed to get the better of eventual winners, Barcelona.

Arsenal's record goal-scorer was named PFA Players' Player of the Year twice, the FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and was also included in the UEFA Team of the Year five times.

Henry left the Gunners for Barcelona in 2007 but returned for a brief loan spell in 2012, during which he scored a solitary league goal for the club. The now 42-year-old will forever be remembered as one of the deadliest strikers in Premier League history and a true legend in the eyes of the football faithful.