Thierry Henry snubbed Rio Ferdinand when naming the four toughest defenders he'd faced during his playing career

Thierry Henry snubbed Rio Ferdinand when naming the four toughest defenders he'd face during his legendary career.

Henry enjoyed an iconic career in the Premier League, scoring an impressive 175 goals during his prolific spell at Arsenal.

He scored 20+ goals in five consecutive campaigns between the 2001/02 season and the 2005/06 season.

Henry came up against plenty of superstar defenders including Ferdinand, who was tasked with containing the Frenchman when he played for Leeds United and Manchester United.

Like Henry, Ferdinand is regarded as one of the best to ever do it in his position, having starred in the Premier League.

But the Gunners icon failed to mention Ferdinand when naming the four toughest defenders he'd faced during his career.

In a fan Q&A with FourFourTwo back in 2006 - before his transfer to Barcelona, Henry opted for John Terry, Ledley King, Sol Campbell and William Gallas.

Asked to select the most difficult centre-back he's been marked by, he replied: "It’s hard to say. Of course, John Terry would be among them, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, William Gallas. But you know I’ve also had tough games against defenders who might not be among your obvious candidates."

Thierry Henry and John Terry duel for the ball during a fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea. Image: Getty

Henry then referenced his encounters against the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Everton but didn't name any names.

"At times it’s a war out there - when you go to Blackburn, Bolton, Everton, you know you’re going to have to battle," he added. "It makes me laugh when I hear some say it’s easy in England! They should come and play some of those type of games and take the knocks that come your way. Sometimes those matches are the hardest."

Henry played against Terry, King and Gallas in London derbies in fixtures against Chelsea and Tottenham.

And he also duelled with Campbell before they became teammates following the defender's controversial switch from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001.