John Terry: Thierry Henry used to give me sleepless nights

The prospect of facing Thierry Henry used to give John Terry sleepless nights, the Chelsea captain has admitted.

Of Henry’s club record 228 goals in 277 appearances for Arsenal 10 came against Chelsea, with the French striker scoring everything from his trademark bursts in behind defences to slot past a keeper to an impudent free-kick against the Blues in 2004.

Henry won two Premier League titles at Arsenal between 1999 and 2007 but saw Terry’s Chelsea overhaul his side in his later years as the Blues became the dominant side in the capital.

Despite their pre-eminence from 2005 onwards Terry admits that Henry was still the opponent he feared the most.

“Thierry Henry had everything,” Terry told the Chelsea Fans Channel. “The night before games I’d have sleepless nights.

“But he was a real gentleman off the field, as well. He’d always praise me and said things to encourage my game and help me along.

“But as a player, he had everything, I dreaded playing against him.”