Skip to main content

Thierry Henry joins Arsenal on loan from New York Red Bulls

Page last updated at 15:22 GMT, Friday, 6 January 2012

Arsenal's all-time leading scorer Thierry Henry
Henry's 'greatest' Arsenal goal - Pictures courtesy of the Premier League
Thierry Henry has joined Arsenal on a two-month loan from New York Red Bulls.
The former Arsenal captain, 34, has been training with the club during the Major League Soccer off-season.
The forward will play for the Gunners during January and February, while fellow striker Gervinho is absent at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Henry, who is eligible to play in Monday's FA Cup match at home to Leeds, said: "When it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking."
"I'll be on the bench most of the time - if I can make the bench, that is"
Thierry Henry
The striker, who had to wait a week to secure the temporary switch while Arsenal finalised insurance arrangements with New York Red Bulls, was famous for wearing the number 14 shirt, which Theo Walcott currently uses. Henry will now be Arsenal's number 12.
Henry added: "I always said I was never going to come back and play in Europe again but, when the team you love and support asks you back, it's kind of hard to say 'no'.
"I am not coming here to be a hero or prove anything. I am just coming here to help. People have to understand that.
"I'll be on the bench most of the time - if I can make the bench, that is.
"Even if it is just five seconds, one second, or just talking in the dressing room, I will give my best whatever it is."

HENRY TIMELINE

  • Aug 1999: Signs for Arsenal from Juventus for £10.5m
  • Feb 2007: Scores 226th and final goal for Gunners in draw v Middlesbrough
  • June 2007: Joins Barcelona for £16.1m
  • July 2010: Signs for New York Red Bulls on "multi-year contract"
  • Nov 2011: Begins training with Arsenal
  • Jan 2012: Re-signs on a two-month loan
Manager Arsene Wenger added: "I am very happy. It was my desire and Thierry's desire.
"We will have Thierry for January and February, then he will go back to the United States.
"I am sure during these two months he will be a massive asset to the team in the dressing room and on the pitch.
"He can be relaxed, not under too much pressure and be a tremendous help to the team."
Henry will act as a reserve for Robin van Persie, who broke Henry's club record of number of goals in a calendar year in 2011 when he netted 35 times.
"Right now Robin is flying," Henry said. "I can be around and talk to him but he is doing what he does best - scoring goals.
"When the boss spoke to me about coming back, I wanted to make sure I didn't disturb the team that was in place. That was important to me."
The Frenchman will return to the United States to the New York Red Bulls for the new MLS season, which starts on 10 March.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16361067.stm

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Please note: Fixtures are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Sunday, 22 May 2011 Aston Villa v Liverpool , 16:00 Bolton v Man City , 16:00 Everton v Chelsea , 16:00 Fulham v Arsenal , 16:00 Man Utd v Blackpool , 16:00 Newcastle v West Brom , 16:00 Stoke v Wigan , 16:00 Tottenham v Birmingham , 16:00 West Ham v Sunderland , 16:00 Wolverhampton v Blackburn , 16:00   http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/fixtures/default.stm
Post a Comment
Read more

Rodgers hails 'peerless' Gerrard after late Fulham winner

Brendan Rodgers  has labelled  Steven Gerrard  as "peerless" after the midfielder's late penalty secured a 3-2 win for  Liverpool  over  Fulham . The Merseysiders twice fell behind at Craven Cottage on Wednesday as Kolo Toure sliced past his own goalkeeper before Kieran Richardson made the most of Martin Skrtel's deflection to score from close range. On both occasions, though, Liverpool pulled level. First, Gerrard's exquisite pass was received by Daniel Sturridge, who kept his cool with a neat finish, before Philippe Coutinho cut inside to strike home from 20 yards. It looked like Liverpool would be frustrated in their efforts to find a winner until Sturridge was chopped down by Sascha Riether in the last minute, and Gerrard held his nerve to convert the penalty. "Steven is peerless in many aspects of football," Rodgers said. "His performance again was [brilliant]. "His pass for the first goal, that penetration he has that he's sh...
Post a Comment
Read more

'I'd pick Hazard over Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar'

Belgium  boss  Marc Wilmots  has claimed he would prefer  Eden Hazard  in his team than  Lionel Messi , Cristiano Ronaldo  or  Neymar . The Chelsea star, 23, has bee n in stellar form in the Premier League lately and has helped his side rocket up to the top of the table at Arsenal and Manchester City's expense. Wilmots, who is sure to take Hazard to this summer's World Cup, lavished praise on the former Lille winger, whom he believes is becoming a candidate for the Ballon d'Or with his performances at Stamford Bridge. "Eden has found in the Belgium team a side that can take him as high as his dreams," the Belgium head coach told  L'Equipe . "Even within a very strong team, Eden stands out because he has something more. Technically, he is amazing! I'd put him on my podium Ballon d'Or because he totally convinced me of his talent. "If you ask me if I want Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar, I'd keep Hazard." Wilmots thinks Hazard can replica...
Post a Comment
Read more