Thierry Henry has completed his loan return to Arsenal and he will now be eligible to face Leeds United.
French legend's loan deal confirmed in time to face Leeds
Arsenal have confirmed Thierry Henry has completed his loan return to the club and he will now be eligible to face Leeds United in the FA Cup on Monday.
The former France international's loan is understood to have been contracted until 16th February with an option for an additional 10 days in order to cover the departures of Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho for the African Cup of Nations.
And Henry is more than happy to be back at Emirates Stadium after Arsene Wenger's Arsenal filed the necessary paperwork before midday on Friday in order to finalise the re-signing of their ex-captain and record goalscorer.
After signing the loan deal, he told his club's
official website: "It is unreal to be honest. But when it comes to Arsenal, my heart will always do the talking.
"Once I knew the plan behind it, I was OK with it. I am not coming here to be a hero or prove anything. I am just coming here to help. People have to understand that.
Message
"Marouane and Gervinho are going to the Africa Cup of Nations, so I was asked to fill in the gap. It is a loan deal and I'll be on the bench most of the time. If I can make the bench that is!
"The boss (Wenger) has a team here already who are doing something good. I am just going to be part of the squad."
Henry continued: "I want to send a message to the fans of New York Red Bulls as well. I always said I would not play in Europe again. But it is hard for me when it comes to Arsenal.
"I am not coming here for the whole season, I will be back and I want to win the MLS Cup with the Red Bulls.
"I hope it is win-win situation where I can help Arsenal and come back fit for the MLS season."
It had been reported the move could have been derailed after Arsenal remained in talks with Henry's parent club, New York Red Bulls, and the MLS on Thursday night regarding a timescale and insurance.
Desire
The American outfit were understood to prefer for the 34-year-old's move to Arsenal to be for a shorter period than the two months favoured by Arsene Wenger.
A compromise was seemingly reached in order to meet Friday's necessary noon deadline and Henry could now face Leeds, a side he tormented in his first era in England between 1999 and 2007 with 11 goals in as many games, at the beginning of next week.
Legendary Henry has already made 370 appearances and scored 226 goals for Arsenal and while Wenger does not expect his fellow countryman to reach those previous, dazzling highs, he still thinks it is an excellent signing.
Speaking about the deal, Arsenal's manager said: "I am very happy. It was my desire and Thierry's desire.
"We will have Thierry for January and in 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."
