Tuesday night see’s Patrick Vieira make a quick return to Highbury in the Champion’s League quarter final.
Vieira was sold to Juventus last summer in a quick fire transfer, and never got chance to say goodbye to his fans.
Thierry Henry believes the Highbury faithful will give Paddy the welcome he deserves, but as soon as the whistle blows, it will be a different story.
‘There is no point kidding ourselves,’ Henry said ‘This has not been an easy season for any of us at Arsenal.
‘So all things considered, in particular a nightmare run of injuries to key players, it is a brilliant achievement to be in the last eight of the Champions League and still have a chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.
‘It is difficult to avoid thinking about Tuesday’s home game against my former club Juventus and the return to Highbury of former captain Patrick Vieira. It will be a special night.’
Vieira has maintained that the draw with Arsenal was always on the cards and that it was no suprise, however, Henry revealed that in a private conversation straight after the draw, Paddy wasn’t as thrilled with the draw as he would have us believe.
‘I spoke to him straight after the quarter final draw and he just said, ‘Why did it have to be Arsenal?’
‘I replied, ‘Sometimes, that’s how it is. Fate’.
In a poll ealier this week, Vital Arsenal readers said they will cheer Paddy on his return home. A centiment echoed by Henry.
‘It will be special for him when he steps out on to the pitch. The whole crowd will be singing his song.
‘Make no mistake, Patrick still loves Arsenal, so it will be a strange night for him
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