The New York Red Bulls announced today that the club has reached an agreement to send forward Thierry Henry to English Premiership Club, Arsenal FC, on a loan that will see New York's captain return to the Red Bulls by the middle of February.

This loan represents Henry's official return to Arsenal, the team where he became the club's most prolific striker and all-time leading scorer with 226 goals in all competitions. The World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner will be eligible to play for Arsenal immediately.

"It is unreal to be honest. But when it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking," Henry said.

"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 win-win situation where I can help Arsenal and come back fit for the MLS season."

"We believe that this is a beneficial move for all parties involved," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "From our perspective, we believe that Thierry will have the prime opportunity to develop his match fitness playing with Arsenal in preparation for our MLS regular season campaign. We are personally thrilled that Thierry has earned this chance to rejoin and help his former club and look forward to seeing him in preseason camp in February."

Henry will return to the New York Red Bulls in the middle of February and rejoin his teammates for their final weeks of preseason ahead of the team's season opener.