The return of Eduardo to The Emirates was an emotional one.
After breaking his leg following a sickening tackle from Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor in February 2008 - an incident so graphic that Sky Sports decided not to show replays of the incident - Arsenal's number nine struggled to recapture his early form.
To his credit, he went on to score 10 goals after returning from that career-threatening injury at St. Andrew's but his journey in North London was cut short after just three years when he was sold to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in a £6 million deal.
It was a great shame. Eduardo had shown glimpses of brilliance during his spell with The Gunners after joining from Dinamo Zagreb, although there was a happy ending [of sorts] when he made a memorable return to The Emirates in the Champions League.
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Just a year after leaving the club, Eduardo lined up against his former teammates in a group stage clash for Shakhtar and, despite his side conceding five goals in a crushing defeat, the Croatian managed to get on the score sheet in the 82nd minute to make it 5-1.
Everyone in the stadium stood up and applauded the goal as an emotional Eduardo raised his hand in appreciation.
After the Champions League Group H clash, Eduardo was understandably thankful for the support. "It was great to come back here. It was unbelievable - it was like I still play for Arsenal. They called my name and it was fantastic."
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Nine years later, in an interview with Arsenal's official website, the 37-year-old once again opened up about that incredible moment.
"I felt like I should have never left Arsenal and I felt very emotional in that game," he said. "I was nearly crying when I came back, so I had to try to fight with my emotions inside because it was a very nice reception from the fans. That day was unbelievable.
"Time has gone by very quickly, so I have the same feeling now as I did on my first day. I spent three seasons here and had a great time with great moments."
What could have been if Eduardo had stayed fit and avoided that injury against Birmingham.
Featured Image Credit: PA/rintarot - YouTubeTopics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Arsenal, Champions League