Thierry Henry QUITS as manager of France U21s for ‘personal reasons’ after Arsenal legend’s Olympics silver medal
THIERRY HENRY has left his role as France U21s coach due to personal reasons.
The Arsenal legend, 47, also took charge of his country’s men’s team at their home Olympic Games and led them to a silver medal, losing 5-3 to Spain in the gold medal match.
Henry confirmed the news in a statement made by the French Football Federation.
The former Barcelona striker said: “I would like to thank the FFF and the president Philippe Diallo who offered me this incredible opportunity.
“Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life.
“I am incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff and the supporters who allowed me to live a magical experience.”
Henry was appointed France U21 coach in August last year and won four of his six games in charge.
His other managerial stints came with Ligue 1 side Monaco and Canadian outfit Montreal Impact.
With Monaco he lasted just three months before being sacked in January 2019 after winning just four of 20 matches.
He then joined Montreal later that year and spent 15 months at the club, claiming nine victories in 29 games.
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At the Olympics with France, Henry led his side to the top of their group with wins over USA, Guinea and New Zealand.
They then beat Argentina in a fiery quarter-final, before booking their place in the gold medal match with a 3-1 victory over Egypt after extra time.
In the final they came from 3-1 down to send the match to extra time thanks to a late Jean-Philippe Mateta equaliser.
But Spain‘s Sergio Camello then netted twice to seal Olympic gold for his nation.
After claiming their silver medal, Henry went viral on social media when he was filmed showing off his dance moves alongside his players in a nightclub.