Thierry Henry returns to Arsenal for training stint

Henry scored 226 goals for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007

Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has started a training stint with the north London club to keep fit during the Major League Soccer's off-season.

The ex-France striker, who plays for New York Red Bulls in the MLS, returned to Arsenal's training ground on Monday.

He remains a favourite with Gunners fans after scoring a record 226 goals in 370 games between 1999 and 2007.

The 33-year-old left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2007 before signing for New York in July 2010.

A statement on the north Londoners' website said: "Thierry Henry is back at Arsenal.

"The short-term arrangement will help Henry maintain his fitness of the new MLS campaign, which begins in March.

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"Henry joined the New York Red Bulls last year and helped them reach the play-offs, where they lost on aggregate to San Jose Earthquakes in November."

Reports on Monday suggested that Henry will work with Arsenal's attacking players during his short spell at the club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger converted Henry from a winger to a striker after his arrival from Juventus in 1999 and the World Cup winner could be asked to help England wide man Theo Walcott progress in a similar direction.

Since the MLS season ended in November, Henry has spent time at his London home, attending Arsenal's home games on several occasions.

Henry was instrumental in heralding golden eras for club and country, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his eight years with the north Londoners.

He also won the World Cup in 1998 and the 2000 European Championships with France and finished his international career having won 123 caps, scoring a record 51 goals.