They are back... and blazing in the English Premier League

David Beckham, despite many persuasions, made it clear that he doesn't want to leave Los Angeles at the moment.

The former Manchester United star was linked as a possible target for many clubs in the Premier League but preferred to continue with LA Galaxy for personal reasons.

However, there are others who made a name in the Premier League, went to other pastures but when an opportunity to rejoin the world's best league arose, they grabbed it with both hands.

Rediff.com takes a look at stars who returned to the stage where they left a mark in their heydays.

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

There's a statue of his gracing the Emirates stadium.

The Frenchman scored a record 174 goals in 254 appearances for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, winning two league titles and three FA Cups in the process, before leaving for Barcelona and, subsequently, New York Red Bulls.

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However, when presented the opportunity to play for the Gunners (on loan) again, Henry was more than happy to respond in the affirmative.

The legend scored the winner in his first appearance, an FA Cup match against Leeds. However, his Premier League return wasn't a happy one, with Arsenal losing away to Swansea City. Henry started on the bench.

Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

He played his entire career for one club - Manchester United.

In his 17 years at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes won 24 trophies, making a whopping 677 appearances for the club. Once he had announced his retirement (last May), the club found it difficult to find a replacement.

Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson convinced Scholes to return this January and play for the rest of the season. The 37-year-old made his comeback as a substitute in Man United's 3-2 win over neighbours Man City in the FA Cup.

In his first start, against Bolton Wanderers, the veteran midfielder scored in his club's 3-0 win. 

Robbie Keane (Aston Villa)

He has played for a plethora of Premier League clubs, with his two spells at Tottenham Hotspur proving the most productive -- 93 goals in 238 games.

After an unsettled phase with Liverpool, followed by periods on loan at both Celtic and West Ham, Keane moved to Los Angeles Galaxy, joining David Beckham.

In his first season, the 31-year-old Irishman helped his club win the MLS Cup.

This January, the striker agreed to a two-month loan deal to Aston Villa, making his first appearance (as an 81st minute substitute) in a 1-1 home draw with Everton.

However, Keane has ruled out making the move permanent. 

John Arne Riise (Fulham)

In his seven years at Anfield, between 2001-07, John Arne Riise made 234 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 31 goals.

The Norwegian won as many as six trophies for the Reds, including the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006.

After a three-year spell with Serie A club AS Roma, the 31-year-old returned to the Premier League last July, signing a three-year deal with Fulham.

The left back has played regularly at Craven Cottage since then, while the move also helped him play alongside his brother Bjorn. 

Landon Donovan (Everton)

He scored the winning goal against the Houston Dynamo, helping Los Angeles Galaxy win the MLS Cup last November.

Thereafter, Landon Donovan signed a loan deal with Everton, having had a similar deal with the Merseyside club back in 2010.

In fact the Toffees wanted to sign the American on a permanent basis, the move not materializing owing to lack of funds.

The 29-year-old forward made his debut in Everton's 1-2 loss to Bolton Wanderers. However, he got into action soon, helping Victor Anichebe score the equalizer in the away game against Aston Villa.