France legend Henry steps down as youth coach
Thierry Henry has resigned from his role as manager of France’s youth teams after earning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, the French Football Federation announced on Monday.
Henry, who won the 1998 World Cup with his country as a player, cited “personal reasons” as the motivation for his decision in the FFF news release.
“I have to thank the FFF and Philippe Diallo [president of the FFF], who gave me this amazing opportunity,” Henry said. “Winning a silver medal at the Olympics for my country will remain one of the proudest achievements of my life.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Federation, the players, the staff and the supporters who allowed me to live out a magical experience.”
Henry’s Olympic team, made up of under-23 players and three overage selections, beat Argentina and Egypt on the way to the final in Paris, only to be beaten 5-3 by Spain after extra time.
Diallo thanked Henry for his professionalism in the statement and added that the FFF is searching for a new coach to take charge ahead of the upcoming qualifiers for the U21 Euro 2025.
Henry has managed Monaco in Ligue 1 and the Montreal Impact in MLS previously, and he served as an assistant during Roberto Martínez’s time in charge of Belgium‘s senior men’s national team.
