Thierry Henry takes ‘harsh’ swipe at David Beckham in response to Arsenal Champions League prediction

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been fighting his former club’s corner away from the pitch.

Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg, Henry has been the subject of many conversations. 

As Arsenal prepare to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, reminders of the Gunners’ 1-0 win at the ground in 2006 are doing the rounds. 

Henry was one of the heroes at the Bernabeu, just as one of Mikel Arteta’s will hope to be this time around, in what is a season-defining 90 minutes for both clubs. 

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Thierry Henry’s Real Madrid reminder to David Beckham

Arteta has sought inspiration from the 2006 win over Madrid, as Arsenal won the first leg in Spain, and fought hard in the second to see the match end 0-0. 

At the time of the contest 19 years ago, Henry revealed Arsenal’s sacrifice against Los Blancos, emphasising their need to defend for their lives at Highbury. 

One player who started the game on the opposition side was David Beckham, who was left surprised by Arsenal, as the Gunners progressed to the quarter-final. 

Before kick-off at the Bernabeu in this year’s tournament, the duo were reflecting on the previous tie once again, a conversation that saw Henry take a swipe at Beckham. 

The England icon was asked by CBS what he thought of Arsenal’s chances in the Champions League this season.

“Not much chance to be honest, I don’t think so,” he responded, as Henry overheard his doubt.

Henry replied, “What are you talking about? No chance,” which prompted Beckham to lift Arsenal’s hope by saying, “Little bit of chance.”

“What, is it because they play Real Madrid?” Henry asked, as Beckham returned with, “Absolutely.”

Space formed for the Frenchman to attack, as he fired a shot at the former Manchester United ace with a nod to history.

“You remember what happened last time?” He asked, referring to the 2006 win, a comment that Beckham insisted was “harsh”.

Arsenal must have no fear against Real Madrid

History is on Arsenal’s side, as is the fact that Arteta’s squad carry a three-goal lead to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are fantasising about a comeback, something the Gunners aren’t entertaining.

Arsenal have conceded six goals in the Champions League this season, compared to Real Madrid’s 20, meaning Los Blancos would have to score at least 50% of the number of goals the Gunners have conceded in the tournament since September.

With all respect to the threat Carlo Ancelotti’s side possesses, Arsenal must not carry fear to the Bernabeu, despite the ‘remondata’ ruckus happening outside.