I'M NOT KING HENRY THE SECOND, BUT I'M READY TO RULE v REAL

Thierry happy memories as Merino targets making history of his own

- DAVID ANDERSON

MIKEL MERINO has dismissed any comparisons with his hero Thierry Henry ahead of Arsenal's Champions League showdown with Real Madrid tomorrow.

Merino watched in his Arsenal shirt when Henry scored the only goal against Real in the Bernabeu as the Gunners won the 2006 Champions League last 16 tie 1-0 on aggregate in the only other meeting between the sides.

Henry was the star of that Arsenal side and the France striker bagged 33 goals for Arsene Wenger's men before their heartbreaking loss to Barcelona in the final.

Midfielder Merino has impressed in Arsenal's patched-up attack and has fond memories of that 2006 tie, watch-ing as a wide-eyed nine-year-old in his native Pamplona.

The Spain international and Euro 2024 winner has five goals in his last nine games, but shot down any talk that he is playing like Henry.