The loan of star striker Thierry Henry to Arsenal FC of the English Premier League by the New York Red Bulls of the MLS was officially announced by the Red Bulls Friday. Henry’s return to Arsenal on a short-term loan had been expected for the past several weeks.
Heny played for Arsenal from 1999 – 2007 and is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 226 goals.
"It is unreal to be honest. But when it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking," Henry said.
“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. Marouane (Chamakh) 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 has a team here already who are doing something good. I am just going to be part of the squad.
Henry will be on loan until mid-February and will return to the Red Bulls in time for the beginning of the 2012 MLS season.
Related: Red Bulls' 2012 MLS Schedule
“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.”
"We believe that this is a beneficial move for all parties involved," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "From our perspective, we believe that Thierry will have the prime opportunity to develop his match fitness playing with Arsenal in preparation for our MLS regular season campaign.