Thierry Henry has completed his return to Arsenal, signing on a short-term loan deal from the Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.
The move to bring back the 34-year-old former France international, who left the Gunners for Barcelona in 2007, had long been expected and he will now be available to face Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told arsenal.com: "I am very happy. It was my desire and Thierry's desire. We will have Thierry for January and in February. Then he will go back to the United States."
Henry admitted it was "unreal" to be back at Arsenal. He told the club's official website: "When it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking. Once I knew the plan behind it I was okay 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 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 continued: "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 a win-win situation where I can help Arsenal and come back fit for the MLS season."
