Thierry Henry is ‘experiencing unforgettable moments’ on his return to Arsenal – Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira has described Thierry Henry scoring in his first game back at Arsenal as a “magnificent” moment.

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On a short-term loan from New York Red Bulls, the 34-year-old striker came off the bench to give the Gunners a 1-0 victory against Leeds United in the FA Cup third-round on Monday.

Vieira, who is now Football Development Executive at Manchester City, was delighted for the Frenchman, and revealed Henry is overjoyed to be back in north London.

“It's magnificent. I was in front of the TV, and when he scored, one could see the joy on his face,” Vieira said to RMC.

“He's come back to Arsenal to help when their players go to the African Cup of Nations.

“I spoke with him, we spoke about the moments we experienced with the club, our best moments.

[At the moment] he's on a cloud, he's experiencing unforgettable moments.”

Despite now being an official at the Etihad Stadium having spent a year-and-a-half playing for the cash-rich side, Vieira retains a special fondness for the club he spent nine years with.

“Arsenal will always be the club of my heart,” the 35-year-old added.

“I spent the best years of career there, but that page has been turned. City gave me the recognition that I dreamed of. They treat me in an extraordinary manner. They consider me one of their own.

“My family feels very good there. There are a lot of things to put in place to develop the talents of the Manchester region's youngsters.”

Samir Nasri left the Emirates to join the Blues in August for approximately £25 million, and whilst the 24-year-old is yet make a significant immediate impact on the first team, Vieira believes the France international will eventually succeed at Eastlands.

He said: “He has slipped into the mould, which is a good thing. He had an extraordinary match against Tottenham, then he had a bit of a lull, and he had a good match against Liverpool [midweek].

“Leaving a club is never easy for a great player. He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders.”