Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has hailed the influence of Thierry Henry during his return to the club.

Van Persie is adamant his presence on the training pitch made many of the Gunners' misfiring stars raise their game.

Speaking to Match of the Day Magazine, he said: "Thierry is very demanding, but that's a good thing. Great players have that.

"His basic level is so high that some other players are struggling to come to his basic level, which is hard because he's so good.

"Sometimes, when they are at that level, they're punching above their weight in some areas. That's why he looks demanding. The only thing he expects from himself is the highest level.

"He expects other people to be at that level and sometimes its hard for anybody."