Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie has praised Thierry Henry, who is set to return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, and hailed the New York Red Bulls striker’s bravery in deciding to return to the Gunners.
“For him to come back is something so brave. He has nothing to prove. He has a statue here. Some people might question ‘why do you do it, because you have proved everything already?’ but there is only one answer. He just wants to play,” said Van Persie.
“I asked him a couple of weeks ago to come back. He is unbelievable, even in training. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but he is looking right up there. It will be good for everyone. It is a massive joy to play and train with him. I am excited too. It’s like, ‘oh yes, Thierry is back, let’s have fun’.”
Henry is expected to make his highly anticipated second debut on January 9 versus Leeds in the FA Cup.
The Gunners legend will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the development of Arsenal’s young starlets, but should not be expected to lead Arsene Wenger’s side to the promise land.
Nonetheless, landing Henry will surely prove to be a good signing for the Gunners.
In other news, Arsenal transfer target Lukas Podolski has ruled out a January move from his boyhood club 1. FC Köln.
Instead, Podolski is hoping to lead FC Köln to a high finish in the German Bundesliga, while scoring as many goals as he can.
“I have always said that I have not been dictated by the pressures of time when deciding my future,” said Podolski.
“I do not believe in lightning strikes, I must be clear. I believe that I will see everything in the summer.
“With Cologne, I hope to get as high as possible. I want to exceed the number of goals I scored last season.
“With the national team, I want to play in the European Championship in Poland, my homeland.
“We are among the favourites and our dream is to win the trophy. We cannot hide.”
Podolski’s current contract is set to expire in 2013, but his agent Kon Schramm has insisted that a January move away from Cologne is “all but impossible”.
Podolski will be one of the most coveted players during the summer transfer window of 2012.
So where will he be playing come the start of next season?
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