Arsenal bring back Henry on short-term loan

Arsenal FC have confirmed that Thierry Henry will return to the club for a second spell after agreeing terms on a loan deal with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.

Henry scored 226 goals in 364 appearances during his eight-season stay at the north London club after arriving from Juventus for €14.9m in 1999 and will act as cover for Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho, who are set to represent Morocco and Ivory Coast respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February.

The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience having helped the Gunners to the Premier League title in 2002 and 2004 and victory in the English FA Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2005. He also captained the north London outfit to the UEFA Champions League final in 2005/06, which they lost 2-1 to FC Barcelona in Paris. Henry joined Barça in 2007 and was part of the side that won the UEFA Champions League two years later.

"I am very happy; It was my desire and Thierry's desire," said manager Arsène Wenger. "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 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."

"It is unreal to be honest," added Henry. "When it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking. Once I knew the plan I was OK with it. I am not coming here to be a hero or prove anything. I am just coming here to help. 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."

Arsenal travel to AC Milan for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on 15 Feburary before the return in London on 6 March.