No-one can take 'world-class' Thierry Henry's achievements at Arsenal away - Gunners boss Arsene Wenger

Frenchman delighted to have one of his 'best-signings' back at the club at a crucial stage in the season, and says all of the Gunners squad are pleased to see 34-year-old return

By Simon Sinclair

Henry and Arsene Wenger
Graham Lister

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has stated that no-one can take away Thierry Henry’s achievements at the Gunners even if his second spell with the club doesn’t work out.

The Frenchman has also insisted that the striker, who has rejoined Arsenal on a two-month loan deal from the New York Red Bulls, is still a world-class talent - and he is delighted to have signed a player of his quality at this stage of the season.

He told the club’s official website: "No, you cannot take away from people what they have done, and what he has delivered will stay forever. It can just make the statue a bit bigger! Let's hope he will do that.

"Thierry is a world-class player and even at this club a player of that dimension is always very difficult to find, especially at this period of the season.

"He can just add something more to the team. Certainly he is one of the best signings I have made. It is difficult to compare defenders and strikers, but one of the best for sure."

Wenger is adamant that the entire Arsenal squad is pleased Henry has re-joined the club, and believes the 34-year-old’s experience will be vital at this crucial stage of the season.

He added: "Everybody is happy that he has joined the team. We should not put too much emphasis on that. Everybody is happy that he is with us, he can help off the pitch, on the pitch, but basically he is a football player so you want him to help especially on the pitch.

"We have a good spirit in the side and he will add something more, experience-wise, and on the nerves side as well, when we are under pressure. That is a good addition because he knows the club, he knows the league, and it is only positive."

The Gunners' manager also confirmed Henry will play some part in their FA Cup clash with Leeds United on Monday, but admitted the striker won’t play the full game.

"Thierry will be involved against Leeds, but at the moment 90 minutes is a bit long for him because he has not played for a long time," Wenger said.

"He works hard, but he is a bit behind physically. In one or two weeks Thierry will be fine."


How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.


 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  5. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday