Thierry Henry [Images] confirmed on Saturday he is leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona.

"I still must pass a medical on Monday but yes, I have chosen Barcelona," the France [Images] striker told French sports daily L'Equipe on Saturday. "I will sign there for the next four seasons."

The 29-year-old will sign a four-year contract with Barca for an estimated transfer fee of 24 million euros (16.15 million pounds), sources closes to the Primera Liga club said on Friday.

"Nothing has been signed yet but both sides reached an agreement on Friday," Henry told L'Equipe.

"I have chosen Barcelona for the football they play, for their history and their stadium," he added.

Henry said the fact that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, his mentor, would not extend his contract with the London [Images] club, running until 2008, had influenced his decision.

"The fact that Arsene Wenger has decided not to extend his contract was another very important factor," he said.

Henry was the focal point at Arsenal and their top scorer in four of the five Premier League seasons between 2001-06, though he spent much of the last campaign sidelined with injury.

He turned down a move to Barca and signed a four-year contract with Arsenal after they lost to Frank Rijkaard's team in the 2006 Champions League final.

Henry was a member of the France squad who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship. He has won 92 caps and scored 39 goals for France.

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