Arsenal striker Thierry Henry says it will be a special evening when former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira returns to Highbury next week.
The former Monaco hit-man faces his former club Juventus in a UEFA Champions League quarter final, first leg tie next Tuesday evening, with the North Londoners the only British club left in this season's competition.
The French World Cup winner admits his side have not had the best of seasons domestically, but praised his team-mates for their fine run in Europe this term.
"There is no point kidding ourselves," Henry said in an interview to The Sun. "This has not been an easy season for any of us at Arsenal.
"So all things considered, in particular a nightmare run of injuries to key players, it is a brilliant achievement to be in the last eight of the Champions League and still have a chance of qualifying for next year's tournament.
"It is difficult to avoid thinking about Tuesday's home game against my former club Juventus and the return to Highbury of former captain Patrick Vieira. It will be a special night.
"I spoke to him straight after the quarter final draw and he just said, 'Why did it have to be Arsenal?'
"I replied, 'Sometimes, that's how it is. Fate'.
"It will be special for him when he steps out on to the pitch. The whole crowd will be singing his song.
"Make no mistake, Patrick still loves Arsenal, so it will be a strange night for him."
Before Arsenal can think of facing the Serie A champions, they face an important Premiership clash at struggling Portsmouth on Saturday.
Henry heaped praise on Pompey supporters for creating a first-rate atmosphere at their Fratton Park home.
"Ask Patrick and myself to name our favourite Premiership football ground and, for obvious reasons, it will be Highbury," Henry added.
"For me, though, Fratton Park would be right up there as another of my favourite grounds.
"Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match two years ago, the home fans would have been supporting their team so vocally.
"It would happen only in English football."
The former Monaco hit-man faces his former club Juventus in a UEFA Champions League quarter final, first leg tie next Tuesday evening, with the North Londoners the only British club left in this season's competition.
The French World Cup winner admits his side have not had the best of seasons domestically, but praised his team-mates for their fine run in Europe this term.
"There is no point kidding ourselves," Henry said in an interview to The Sun. "This has not been an easy season for any of us at Arsenal.
"So all things considered, in particular a nightmare run of injuries to key players, it is a brilliant achievement to be in the last eight of the Champions League and still have a chance of qualifying for next year's tournament.
"It is difficult to avoid thinking about Tuesday's home game against my former club Juventus and the return to Highbury of former captain Patrick Vieira. It will be a special night.
"I spoke to him straight after the quarter final draw and he just said, 'Why did it have to be Arsenal?'
"I replied, 'Sometimes, that's how it is. Fate'.
"It will be special for him when he steps out on to the pitch. The whole crowd will be singing his song.
"Make no mistake, Patrick still loves Arsenal, so it will be a strange night for him."
Before Arsenal can think of facing the Serie A champions, they face an important Premiership clash at struggling Portsmouth on Saturday.
Henry heaped praise on Pompey supporters for creating a first-rate atmosphere at their Fratton Park home.
"Ask Patrick and myself to name our favourite Premiership football ground and, for obvious reasons, it will be Highbury," Henry added.
"For me, though, Fratton Park would be right up there as another of my favourite grounds.
"Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match two years ago, the home fans would have been supporting their team so vocally.
"It would happen only in English football."
