Arsenal sign Henry on loan

The club's all-time top scorer could make his second debut against Leeds United in the FA Cup on Monday. He will wear the number 12 shirt.

Henry has been training with Arsenal in the MLS off-season and is not required to return to the United States until March.

With forwards Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh heading to the African Cup of Nations next month, manager Arsene Wenger believes leading scorer Robin van Persie requires some support.

Wenger said: “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.

"I am sure during these two months he will be a massive asset to the team in the dressing room and on the pitch. He can be relaxed, not under too much pressure and be a tremendous help to the team."

Henry added: "It is unreal to be honest. But 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 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 could feature in seven Premier League games, including key encounters against Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 clash against AC Milan.

Henry, meanwhile, has clearly felt at home back in London and was moved to tears when a statue of him was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium last month, along with those of fellow Gunners legends Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman.

Henry scored 226 times in 370 appearances for the club before moving to Barcelona in June 2007.