Five Arsenal players who left and came back

Five Arsenal players who left and came back

By Jonny Bray
Arsenal fans have enjoyed some memorable players over the years and, despite what you may think, it isn't that rare to see one or two of them return for a second spell in North London.
Some of those returns have made lasting impacts on the club – and are still spoken about fondly now.
But others haven't gone so well and have ended up damaging the player’s legacy at the club.
So, it's time to take a look at five Arsenal players who left and came back.

Thierry Henry


Thierry Henry's return to Arsenal was one of the best things about the 2011/12 season.
After training with Arsenal during the MLS off-season, the French icon re-signed for the club on a two-month loan deal on 6 January 2012.
Henry made seven appearances, scoring two goals and lifting the spirits of Gunners fans around the world.
His goal on his return against Leeds United in the FA Cup was an incredible moment, matched by the calmness of the Frenchmen's finish.
And his Premier League strike against Sunderland helped secure a vital three points and was also a perfect way to finish off a brilliant return to The Emirates.

Martin Keown


Martin Keown had a very different return to Henry.
The defender's first spell with the Gunners ended prematurely after two years and 22 appearances in North London.
After three successful years with Aston Villa, Keown would return back to Arsenal.
From there, he went from strength to strength, eventually making a further 310 appearances in all competitions during a nine-year spell in north London.
He also won three Premier League titles as well as three FA Cups.

Sol Campbell


Sol Campbell was well past his prime when he returned for his second spell at the club, but he would still go on to make 11 appearances back in 2010.
It looked like the club had let Campbell go too early after a successful spell with Portsmouth that saw him lift another FA Cup.
But after a bizarre spell at Notts County, Campbell came back and was a decent squad player during the 2009-10 campaign.
He eventually left the club, joining Newcastle United after one season.
So, his return wasn't quite as spectacular as his first spell, which saw him rattle every Spurs fan in the country while also picking up almost everything there is to win in the game.

Mathieu Flamini


Both of Mathieu Flamini's spells at the club were pretty solid.
The first time around, the three-cap French international made over 100 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He simultaneously caught the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs at the time, eventually joining AC Milan in 2008 after four solid years with the club.
He would return in 2013 and, over the next three years, would show just want Arsenal fans had been missing with a steady stream of consistent performances.
Flamini may not have been the most talented player to grace The Emirates, but his consistency and attitude always added to the squad dynamic.
He eventually left the club for a second time in 2016, joining Crystal Palace.


Jens Lehmann


Jens Lehmann had unfinished business in north London after being unceremoniously booted out of the squad following a tough 2007/08 season.
However, he was back just two years later, joining as cover during the 2010/11 season.
He came out of retirement due to an injury crisis at Arsenal, leaving them with only one fit senior keeper.
However, he would only make one appearance, as a late injury replacement for Manuel Almunia against Blackpool.
But it was a pleasure for many fans to see the Invincibles' No.1 back between the sticks for the Gunners.
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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