The returns of Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes are both unique and refreshing

Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes continue to show world-class talent well into their 30s, writes Goal.com's Frank Isola. Both legends could face each other this Sunday.

Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes have been around long enough to remember when the other was in his prime in the Premier League.

Collectively, they have appeared in more big matches and logged more minutes at the highest level than most footballers can comprehend. And apparently, they both want more.

So perhaps it was only fitting that Scholes and Henry made their triumphant returns to the Premier League within days of each other and both punctuated their homecomings with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively by scoring goals.

Scholes, 37, and fresh out of retirement, scored his first league goal at Old Trafford in nearly three years on Saturday during United 3-0 win over Bolton. Five days earlier, Henry, 34, on loan at from the New York Red Bulls, scored the lone goal to give the Gunners a 1-0 win over Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup.

Incredible.

Age is an enemy in professional sports and particularly in soccer. Once you hit 30 the clock starts ticking on your career. But coaches often say that players tend to lose it mentally before they do so physically. And that’s what makes Scholes and Henry not only unique but also refreshing.

After all these years, all the money not to mention the physical demands on their bodies, Scholes and Henry are driven by competition.

“(Paul) missed football and he wanted to carry on,” said former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, adding that Scholes’ decision wasn’t based on injuries to central midfielders Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and Anderson. “He wanted to come back and play football irrespective of the problems that Manchester United have had.”

United wasn’t expecting Scholes to return. In August, the club held a testimonial for Scholes, the football equivalent of a living funeral. Eric Cantona and the New York Cosmos showed up and even brought along Pele. Scholes, who had made 676 appearances and scored 150 goals for United, said good-bye with one final goal.

“I hope I gave them a few decent memories," Scholes said at the time.

A few weeks earlier, Henry played in what figured to be his farewell match at the Emirates Stadium when the New York Red Bulls tied Arsenal and were the unlikely winners of the Emirates Cup. The home fans cheered Henry, the club’s most decorated player and all-time leading scorer with 226 goals. Henry left in 2007, having won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups as well as the best player on the 2003-04 Invincibles.

“I am a fan,” Henry said of Arsenal at the time.

Henry has already made news in Europe for his expletive-filled outburst directed at an Arsenal supporter following the Gunners 3-2 loss to Swansea. Henry, who felt the man in question should be more supportive of the club, later issued an apology.

“I didn't intend to be malicious or threatening and am aware that it could have been said in a calmer manner,” Henry said. “We have had great moments at this club but we are all in this together. We need your support in the good times but more importantly the bad."

“Let's get behind the team against Manchester United on Sunday and try to get three points to get the season back on track.”

Sure, Henry can be a little grumpy at times. Fans in the United States have seen his mean streak but Henry’s heart is in the right place. Look at it this way: he could be on vacation right now getting ready for the start of the MLS season. Instead, he’s using his free time to play in the world’s top league. And maybe, he’ll even cross paths with Scholes on Sunday at the Emirates. 

It’s happened before and we’re lucky that it may happen again