Thierry Henry has completed his return to Arsenal, signing on a short-term loan deal from 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 United in the FA Cup on Monday.
Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website: "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 website: "When it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking.
"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 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."
Wenger wanted Henry experience
Wenger believes Henry's return can only be good for all involved. He said: "You cannot take away from people what they have done, and what he has delivered will stay forever. It can just make the statue a bit bigger. Let us hope he will do that.
"Thierry is a world-class player and even at this club a player of that dimension is always very difficult to find, especially at this period of the season. He can just add something more to the team. Who would turn down a player of his quality?
"We have a good spirit in the side and he will add something more, experience-wise, and on the nervy side as well, when we are under pressure. That is a good addition because he knows the club, he knows the league, and it is only positive."
The Arsenal manager added: "Thierry is like everyone who develops in life, he is more open to people. When you are a young striker you are more focused on yourself and today, what he can give to others is of a higher level than he could do five or six years ago.
"Thierry is in a position where has done it all and is under less pressure than five or six years ago. We want him to perform. I want him to help the team and do well. I don't even have to say a word because he will want to do that himself."
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