Source: Daily_Mail
Eduardo delighted with Champions League return to Arsenal
Former Arsenal striker Eduardo is delighted with the prospect of an instant return to north London in the Champions League.[LNB]The Croatia striker joined Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this summer after a difficult three years with the Gunners.[LNB]Eduardo illuminated the early part of the 2007/08 season with some spectacular goals, but his campaign, and ultimately Arsenal career, was cut short by a horror tackle from Birmingham City's Martin Taylor. [LNB] Many happy returns: Eduardo will return to Arsenal in the Champions League[LNB]Having failed to rediscover his form and full-fitness after almost a year on the sidelines, the 27-year-old left for the Ukraine in a £6million move. There was no ill-will from Arsenal fans, only a sense of what might have been.[LNB]Now the Emirates Stadium faithful will be able to show theirappreciation for the Brazilian-born frontman after Arsenal and Shakhtarwere pitted together in Group G of the Champions League.[LNB]New start: Eduardo joined Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this summer[LNB]Eduardo, said: 'I always had a feeling that Arsenal and Shakhtar would be drawn together in the same group.[LNB]'It will be fantastic for me to come back to a club I will always love and respect, to see all my old team-mates and to play again in front of the best fans in England.[LNB]'In my opinion, Arsenal and Shakhtar are the favourites to go through.'[LNB]The No 9 has already found his feet in the Ukraniian top flight, bagging a goal on his debut and the decisive strike in a weekend win at Volyn.[LNB]Wenger added: 'I did not expect to see him so quickly but we are happy to see him back. [I spotted him in a Champions League game] now he tries to hit us again.'[LNB]Arsenal last played Shakhtar in 2000 when a late brace from defender Martin Keown earned the spoils in London. However the Gunners suffered a 3-0 reverse in the Ukraine.[LNB]'Those were two difficult games,' recalled Wenger. 'People forget that it was not our first team in the away game. When we went over there we had already qualified.[LNB]'These days they are a more technical side than they were because there is a lot of Brazilian influence. In fact I feel they have a similar game to Arsenal.'[LNB] I'll make you pay, Rafa! Tottenham striker Peter Crouch on revenge mission to knock out old boss Benitez in Champions LeagueFIFA give glowing appraisal of England 2018 bid as delegation end tour of the countryCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW: Tottenham land holders Inter Milan while Manchester United and Rangers face Battle of BritainArsenal boss Wenger accuses Potters of turning football into rugbyARSENAL FC
