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Arsene Wenger confirms Thierry Henry will be included in Arsenal's Champions League squad to face AC Milan
The 34-year-old returned to the Emirates on a two-month loan deal, as Wenger admits he initially felt the striker would reject the proposed short-term move
Jan 7, 2012 7:16:00 PM
By Chris Davie
Getty
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Thierry Henry will be part of Arsenal's Champions League squad for its last 16 tie against AC Milan.
The 34-year-old rejoined Arsenal on a two-month loan deal on Friday from MLS side New York Red Bulls.
Arsenal travels to San Siro on February 15 before hosting the Serie A champions in the return leg on March 6.
“Yes, he will be [in the squad]. I have given Vito Mannone out on loan to Hull and Thierry will take his place," said Wenger. “He has good memories of playing in Milan, where he scored three goals against Inter Milan. It is logical [to include him].”
Wenger also reiterated his squad are buoyed by the return of the Frenchman but conceded he was unsure whether his former captain would initially agree to a temporary move.
“The players are happy that he is here," said Wenger. "It is more to do with the interaction physically in everyday training. Of course, how much he wants it as well. I was convinced quickly [that he was still capable of playing in the Premier League] but I wasn't sure that he would like the challenge. He knows that somewhere, people will look at how he is doing now.”
The 34-year-old rejoined Arsenal on a two-month loan deal on Friday from MLS side New York Red Bulls.
Arsenal travels to San Siro on February 15 before hosting the Serie A champions in the return leg on March 6.
“Yes, he will be [in the squad]. I have given Vito Mannone out on loan to Hull and Thierry will take his place," said Wenger. “He has good memories of playing in Milan, where he scored three goals against Inter Milan. It is logical [to include him].”
Wenger also reiterated his squad are buoyed by the return of the Frenchman but conceded he was unsure whether his former captain would initially agree to a temporary move.
“The players are happy that he is here," said Wenger. "It is more to do with the interaction physically in everyday training. Of course, how much he wants it as well. I was convinced quickly [that he was still capable of playing in the Premier League] but I wasn't sure that he would like the challenge. He knows that somewhere, people will look at how he is doing now.”
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