Arsenal have unveiled a trio of new statues outside the Emirates Stadium as part of their 125th anniversary celebration.
Former striker Thierry Henry, ex-defender Tony Adam and past manager Herbert Chapman were all honoured with bronze effigies outside the north London ground.
Henry is the Gunners’ all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals during his eight years at the club, and was a prominent figure in the most successful Arsenal side in modern times.
Tony Adams made 669 appearances, the second highest all-time, for Arsenal after becoming captain at the age of 22 in 1988.
Herbert Chapman won the league four times in five years during his nine years with the club from 1925 until his death ended his tenure prematurely in 1934 at the age of 55.
Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood was at the stadium for the unveiling of the statues and said fans could now pay tribute to the three club legends.
He told the crowd: “Today is a celebration of three hugely influential figures in the history of Arsenal Football Club.
“Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry are three Arsenal Legends who have all contributed so much to the successes of this football club.
“These legends are now proudly on display outside Emirates Stadium for all to see, and will provide a way for Arsenal supporters, and indeed any visitors to the stadium, to remember them and pay their own tributes to these three great men.”
Henry, who left the Gunners for Barcelona in 2007, and now plays for MLS team New York Red Bulls, admitted he thought the statue was a joke at first.
He told reporters he was “speechless” at the gesture before adding: “At the very beginning, when I heard about it, I honestly thought it was a joke, until I realised it wasn't.
“I was fortunate to have won a lot of stuff in my career, but that tops it all.”
The veteran Frenchman made it clear, however, that it was a team effort that helped him to succeed so much with Premier League side during his time in the capital.
He continued: “Without your team you are nothing. It would not have been possible without them so I want to thank them too.”
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