Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, 20:18 / Updated on Wednesday, 06 May 2026 20:18
Thierry Henry (48 years old) did not hide his excitement after Arsenal's qualification for the Champions League final. The “gunners” legend believes that the current team prepared by Mikel Arteta is even stronger than the famous “Invincibles” generation of the 2003/2004 season.
Arsenal secured qualification in the last leg of the competition with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-finals.
The Londoners thus reached the final without losing a single match in the current edition of the Champions League.
Thierry Henry praises current Arsenal squad: 'Not only talented but extremely resilient'
Present in the CBS studio, Henry spoke highly of his former team's performance.
“When we look at what this team has achieved, we have to take a step back to really appreciate it. We often talk about the “Invincibles” of 2004, but what can we say about what this team achieved, undefeated in the League until the final? It's a whole other level.
In Europe you can't go wrong. We saw that very clearly in this semi-final. They all said to themselves: «This is a nightmare», because we know how they like to drag you through the mud. But Arsenal remained patient. They defeated them with their own weapons, in a game of mental chess.
“The fact that they were able to take out a team that specializes in the 'dark arts' and at the same time maintain their undefeated streak shows me that this is not only a talented team, but also an extremely resilient one,” said Henry.
Arsenal's all-time top scorer with 228 goals believes this generation has already secured a special place in the club's history.
“To reach the final without defeat is to tell the world that Arsenal are redefining the standards. I am first and foremost a fan and to see my club embody the DNA of North London with such class and determination… it moves me to tears.
They still have a step to go, but they've already earned the respect of anyone who loves the sport. Mikel Arteta has done wonders to build this team,” added Thierry Henry.
PHOTO GALLERY. The most spectacular images from Arsenal – Atletico Madrid
