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Arsenal will lock horns with club legend Thierry Henry for a friendly on July 26, ahead of the 2014-15 English Premier League season. The Gunners will travel to New York to play against the New York Red Bulls, that features the Frenchman.
While at Arsenal from 1999 to 2006, Henry's goalscoring heroics led the North London club to two EPL titles, three FA Cups, two Community Shield trophies. The prolific striker saw the Gunners enter their first Champions League final in 2006, only to suffer heartbreak in Paris to Barcelona. With 226 goals, the 36-year-old is also the club's record goal-scorer.
Henry has been plying his trade in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls since 2010. In between he had returned to his beloved Arsenal for a short 2-month loan spell in 2012. And now he will be playing against his mentor and football guru Arsene Wenger.
Tickets for the July 26 fixture at the 25,000 seater Red Bull Arena has already been sold out. Arsenal have confirmed on their Twitter account that tickets are no more available for the time when Henry will gear up against them.
Other than New York Red Bulls, Arsenal will also travel to sixth division English club Boreham Wood on July 19. The Gunners will also host Benfica, Monaco and Valencia for the Emirates Cup. The 7th edition of the tournament will be held on August 2 and 3. Arsene Wenger's side have won this tournament on 3 occasions, since it’s inception in 2007.
Also, the Emirates Stadium will don a new look from now, owing to Arsenal changing their kit partner. The Gunners ended their 20-year relation with American manufacturer Nike, to switch to German giants Puma. The five year deal is reportedly worth £150million, making it the biggest in English football history.
And after ending their 9-year trophy drought last season at the FA Cup final against Hull City, Arsenal are now preparing their stadium for the new partnership with Puma. The 13-time League champions released pictures of their stadium donned with the new brand logos.
The new look Emirates Stadium will be ready for the EPL 2014-15 season starting August 16. Arsenal will host Crystal Palace for their first fixture on the opening day.
