The outlook was not bright when Arsenal appeared to take a punt on Thierry Henry, rescuing the France striker from a nightmare spell at Juventus for £11 million (Dh63.1m). This fee would go on to look like the bargain of the century, his 228 goals in 376 appearances making him the Gunners’ all-time top scorer.

Henry’s mixture of searing pace and uncanny skill saw him become the Premier League’s most-feared front man. By the time he left for Barcelona in 2007, he had won two top-flight titles and three FA Cups.

His link with Arsenal had a fairytale ending, a second spell on loan from New York Red Bulls in 2012 beginning with a debut goal against Leeds United in the FA Cup.

1949: The Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1957: Wales international John Charles moved from Leeds to Juventus for £65,000, going on to score 108 goals in 155 Serie A games.

2008: Michael Vaughan stood down as England Test captain, citing a need to take a break from cricket.

2012: Rower Katherine Grainger finally won Olympic gold after three previous failed attempts.