Former Arsenal transfer target says Thierry Henry inspired him despite Champions League humiliation

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Arsenal’s highlight of the season will be their Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta’s side were outstanding over the two legs and had supporters believing that their time to win the Champions League was upon them.

Rio Ferdinand lauded Declan Rice for his performance across the two ties, not only his incredible free kicks but the way he dominated Jude Bellingham in all aspects of the game.

Rice clashed with Kylian Mbappe during the second leg at the Bernabeu over a penalty incident but the French striker seems to be holding no grudges towards the Gunners as he has just revealed an Arsenal legend was his footballing inspiration.

READ MORE: ‘Probably…’ – Ian Wright reveals his pick for Arsenal’s player of the season

Kylian Mbappe names Thierry Henry as footballing inspiration

Thierry Henry will forever be an icon among not only Arsenal fans but the entire footballing world for what he achieved in the game.

The former Gunners striker won a host of trophies in his career, including the Premier League title and the World Cup but it was his grace and style on the pitch that made him stand out.

Speaking to VERSUS, Real Madrid forward Mbappe has revealed that Henry was his inspiration when growing up.

When asked which players inspired him growing up, Mbappe replied with: “Thierry Henry. He did amazing things with Arsenal.”

Arsene Wenger signed Henry in 1999 from Juventus and transformed him into one of the world’s most feared centre forwards, having arrived in North London as a left winger.

Wenger also tried to sign Mbappe from Monaco back in 2017 before the star joined PSG in a deal worth over £150m.

Thierry Henry claims Kylian Mbappe is better than Erling Haaland

World class strikers are a topical theme at the Emirates Stadium right now with the club looking to bring one in during the summer window. Viktor Gyokeres is close to joining Arsenal.

Henry backed his fellow countryman Mbappe over Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in a debate as to who was the better striker.

As per the Daily Mail, Henry stated on CBS Sports Golazo: “Mbappe, all day. Because he does – or offers – different options. For a coach, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, and he can play in the middle. Can Haaland play any position other than a nine?”

Arteta will be hoping that he can land a striker this summer that can have a similar impact to Henry and Mbappe by giving the Gunners that firepower in front of goal.

If Gyokeres is the man to do that, Arsenal will find their trophy drought will soon be a distant memory.