MLS club New York Red Bulls will be one of three visiting teams to meet English Premier League giants Arsenal in this year's Emirates Cup competition. The annual event is hosted by the Gunners at their impressive stadium in North London and usually features clubs from around Europe, however, this season the Red Bulls will be a part of it.
That means a homecoming for former Arsenal star Thierry Henry who is one of the best players in the club's history.
Henry and the Red Bulls will be joined by French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain and perennial Argentine champions Boca Juniors for the tournament to be held on July 30 and 31.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said it was a great chance for Gunners fans to again see their former hero in action on London soil.
"New York Red Bulls, Boca Juniors and Paris Saint-Germain are three clubs with great players and huge followings, and they are sure to make Emirates Cup 2011 a hugely exciting weekend of football," he said.
"Also, I'm sure all Arsenal fans will be looking forward to welcoming back Thierry Henry - a true Arsenal legend."
Gazidis added: "We're delighted and proud to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Over the previous four years, the Emirates Cup has proved to be an overwhelming success and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.
"Nearly half a million supporters have now come to Emirates Stadium to attend the Emirates Cup in the four years, and the tournament is now recognised around the world as a prestigious pre-season event.
"Emirates Airline has been the proud sponsor of the Emirates Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2007 and we're obviously delighted that they have decided to continue with this successful partnership."
Past competitors for this pre-season competition include Spain's Valencia, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Italy's Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan, Scotland's Rangers and Celtic, France's PSG and Lyon as well as Germany's Hamburg who are the only club bar Arsenal to win since it kicked off in 2007.
