Henry plays down fans’ expectations

THIERRY HENRY has warned Arsenal fans not to expect him to win every game he plays single-handedly after making a dream return.

Henry came off the bench to extend his club scoring record as Leeds were beaten 1-0 in Monday night’s FA Cup third-round tie at Emirates Stadium.

The 34-year-old will spend the next six and a half weeks with the Gunners after agreeing a short-term loan deal from New York Red Bulls, which does have the option for an extension to take in the clash with Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on February 26.

During that period, Henry — who left for Barcelona in 2007 — is likely to be used as an impact player, with captain Robin van Persie set to be recalled for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Swansea having been allowed time off for a family break in Dubai.

Henry accepts Monday night’s fairytale cameo has already set his own barometer to new levels. “I know I scored, but that is not going to happen every time I play,” Henry said.

“I am going to try to bring what I can. Maybe another time it won’t be enough, but I will always try my best.”

Henry’s goal, which finally broke the resistance of the Championship side to set up a date with Aston Villa in round four, saw the Emirates Stadium erupt, and the whole of the team celebrated with the veteran striker, who sprinted to the dugout and into a bear hug with manager Arsene Wenger.

Henry, who was back in training at London Colney despite it being a rest day, added: “I always want more so I don’t know if it is going to be a goal, a pass or tackle. I am here to be another player, to help the squad and that’s it.”

Wenger believes Henry’s presence can only help inspire the squad.

The Arsenal manager said: “What is good for the young players at the club is that a guy like Thierry, who has done it all, comes and prepares 100%, warms up, is focused and motivated, with an immense desire to do well.”

Henry was not the only Arsenal legend at the club’s training complex yesterday, with former winger Robert Pires working on his fitness. The 38-year-old Frenchman, who had a spell at Aston Villa last season, said on Twitter: “I am training just to maintain my fitness level! But thanks I appreciate you all want me back at Arsenal!”

Elsewhere Francis Coquelin, who limped off with a hamstring injury on Monday which will keep the defender out for up to a month, has signed a new contract with Arsenal.

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has issued an apology for joking in a Twitter message team-mate Aaron Ramsey looked “like a rapist”.

The 21-year-old Polish goalkeeper has been reminded by the club of his responsibilities when using Twitter, and apologised for any offence his remarks may have caused. Szczesny wrote: “I’m sorry if anyone was offended by my previous tweets. There are some thing (sic) we should not joke about and I crossed the line. Sorry.”