Thierry Henry is hailed as the ‘BEST Arsenal player ever’ by ecstatic academy stars as the Gunners icon is mobbed on his way into the Emirates

Thierry Henry drove Arsenal’s young youth players crazy on Tuesday after appearing among them at the Emirates for the Champions League match against Porto.

The Frenchman is a Gunners legend and even has a statue erected outside the Emirates in his honour, but the youth stars had the chance to meet the icon first-hand.

Arsenal ended their 14-year wait to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals by overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit and inflicting an agonizing defeat on Portuguese rivals Porto.

Goalkeeper David Raya’s penalty shootout heroics ensured the hosts progressed to the next stage of Europe’s premier club competition alongside Manchester City, and the young fans were treated to a special moment with Henry.

The 46-year-old was covering the match for American broadcaster CBS and as he entered the stadium he was mobbed by Arsenal’s youth stars.

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A shocked crowd of junior team players screamed in amazement and stood in awe as Henry interacted and high-fived each of them as he walked up some stairs.

Amid the audible gasps, one of the boys began shouting: “Arsenal’s greatest player ever.” You are my favorite Arsenal player.

Henry seemed delighted with the interaction and smiled as he stopped to interact with his new fans as they followed him through the inner workings of the Emirates.

The touching moment has since gone viral on social media and Arsenal fans have shared their delight at seeing the club icon have time off for upcoming players.

One Gunners fan posting on “He has been raised very well.”

Another hilariously added: “I’m sitting here, aging into my 30s, incredibly jealous of these little kids.”

A third similarly agreed, saying: “That’s how you know Henry’s juice never runs out – these kids were probably born after he retired.”

The legendary striker scored 228 goals in 337 appearances for the north London club, winning two Premier League and three FA Cup titles.