Henry praises fans’ reception

(GSM) – Barcelona’s Thierry Henry has praised Arsenal’s fans for giving him a warm reception upon his return to face his old club. Henry played against his former club for the first time since leaving the North London club for Barcelona in 2007.

The home fans chanted Henry’s name and cheered when he came on as a second half substitute. The fans stayed behind the French striker final whistle to give him a standing ovation as he walked off.

It was a remarkable tribute to the player who scored a club record 226 goals in 369 games in eight seasons with the Gunners

“It was very emotional. It was very special,” said Henry. “Obviously coming on I got a good reception but the special moment was at the end.

“I said to myself I had to clap the Arsenal fans for the welcome back and you saw what happened after that.

“Obviously I have never hidden my love for the club and I think the fans showed there was still love for me. It was amazing.”

Henry was not surprised by Arsenal’s comeback and thinks the supporters helped the Gunners fight back.

“I’m not surprised they came back, especially with the fans. It always helps,” added Henry.

“You can be 2-0 down and if the fans start to boo it is hard but they were helping them to come back in the game. I know exactly what can happen here.

“It would have been better if we had won but 2-2 is not a bad result.”