THIERRY HENRY STEPS DOWN FROM HIS COACHING ROLE WITH FRANCE YOUTH SIDE

Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

The French Football Federation (FFF) stated on Monday that Thierry Henry has chosen to resign from his position as coach of the France under-21 football team, following his successful lead-up to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The French youth team’s coach, the all-time leading goalscorer for Premier League powerhouse Arsenal, took over last summer. He had a contract with the team until June 2025, but he chose to resign for “personal reasons,” the FFF said.

Les Bleuets advanced to the men’s Olympic final for the first time since capturing gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, thanks to the leadership of former France international Henry earlier in July.

READ ALSO :

ILECHUKWU, BOSSO IN LINE TO ASSIST NEW SUPER EAGLES HEAD COACH

The young team ultimately lost 5-3 in extra time to Spain, capping off a good run that had begun unfavorably when Henry was forced to make multiple roster changes prior to the competition because some clubs wouldn’t release their players for the games.

“I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for giving me this incredible opportunity,” said Henry, 47, in an FFF statement.

“Winning an Olympic silver medal for my country will remain one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff and the fans for giving me this magical experience.”

Federation boss Diallo thanked the 1998 World Cup winner for “all the work he accomplished as coach of the Espoirs (under-21s) and Olympic sides”.

“We obviously regret this decision, as Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives set for him by winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris,” he added.