Nico Yennaris will be looking to add another chapter to his FA Cup story when Brentford travel to Chelsea on Saturday.
The former Arsenal youngster was on the pitch for one of the greatest moments at the Emirates Stadium since its opening when Thierry Henry scored on his return against Leeds in the same competition.
The Bees midfielder looked to study the legendary Frenchman and revealed how Henry led the side on the pitch as well.
Yennaris said: “That game stands out for me. I've never seen a stadium so loud on his return. That was a special night in my career.
“I idolised him growing up and being able to play alongside him was unreal for me. Thierry was a top pro especially towards the younger players.
“He always encouraged and tried to advise them in certain situations.
“When we went 1-0 up, he was being a leader on the pitch and telling us what to do and organising the team and that's from his experience.”
Yennaris could also line up against former Gunner Cesc Fabregas. While the pair trained together, they never represented Arsenal in a league game at the same time.
But the Bees midfielder knows he must be at the top of his game to get the better of a player who ran rings around him at the Gunners' London Colney training ground.
He added: “We trained together a few times before he left to go to Barcelona. I think it'd be good for me to test myself against players of his calibre.
“The thing for me is it'd be a good test for myself. I'll try and remember the things he does in training.
“There wasn't any one moment but his passing range and vision is second to none. I'll have to be on my game to try and stop that.
“It was quite difficult in training to be fair and I was a lot younger. His one-two touch passing is so quick.
“He's up there with the best I've seen. I spoke to him a bit when he was there. It wasn't for long but he's a nice lad.
“He was always trying to encourage me, know where my next pass is and check my shoulders.”
Fabregas and Henry played a part in helping Yennaris' development before he joined Brentford in 2013.
Having been seen as a younger player at the time, the 23-year-old is now one of the Bees' longest serving players and he has noticed that transition himself.
He said: “I think there are only four or five of us left from the League One team. I try to do my best for the team, organise them and encourage them as well as try and be a leader on the pitch. I'm trying to improve my game as well and that will help the team.”
Brentford's FA Cup tie with Chelsea
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