Arsene Wenger denies Arsenal will make loan bid for Thierry Henry

 

Jim van Wijk
Friday 18 November 2011 08:42 EST
Comments
Thierry Henry is currently training with Arsenal
Thierry Henry is currently training with Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manager Arsene Wenger maintains he has given no thought to trying to bring Thierry Henry back on a short-term loan deal in January, but admits it is "an honour and a pleasure" to have the former captain back at the club.

The Gunners legend, 34, is currently training at London Colney to keep up his fitness levels following New York Red Bulls' exit from the Major League Soccer Cup at the hands of David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy.

Henry was an integral part of Wenger's 'Invincibles' squad of 2003/2004, going on to become Arsenal's record goalscorer before leaving to join Barcelona in the summer of 2007.

Theoretically, the former France World Cup winner could sign a short-term deal with his old club before the new MLS campaign starts up again, much like Beckham did when playing for AC Milan.

However, for now, that is not on Wenger's immediate agenda.

"I have not thought about that at all. At the moment we have a big squad and anyway, that problem cannot examined before the end of December," said the Arsenal manager, whose side will be looking to maintain their resurgence at Norwich tomorrow.

"At the moment we have 26 outfield players so we have a massive squad."

Wenger added: "Thierry's future is in the [United] States. He is going back in February. Until then we will just help him to practice and keep fit."

The Gunners boss hopes the presence of such an iconic figure will only be a positive influence for the rest of the squad.

"Thierry loves football, and he loves Arsenal," Wenger said.

"To practice with us for him is a pleasure - for him and for us.

"I think it is an honour and a pleasure. An honour because he is a legend at the club and he is coming back, a pleasure because when he is on the football pitch, he is still a great player."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in