Thierry Henry has resigned as manager of France’s under-21 side after he led Les Bleus to a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Henry, who took up the position on a two-year deal until 2025, leaves the hotseat prematurely for “personal reasons”.
France lost 5-3 to Spain in the gold medal match at the Parc des Princes, with two extra-time goals from Sergio Camello winning it for Spain.
‘I am in a dream,’ says Henry ahead of France v Spain showdown
Thierry Henry has stepped down as the manager of France’s under-21 side for “reasons personal to him”.
In a statement released by the French Football Federation, it confirmed that Henry, who made 123 international appearances for his country as a player, was leaving his position a year into his two-year deal.
Henry, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward, was appointed as head coach of “Les Espoirs” with the view to leading the host nation into the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Les Bleus won the silver medal, beaten 5-3 in the final by Spain.
Enzo Millot had opened the scoring for the home side before Fermin Lopez scored a brace, and Alex Baena’s sumptuous free-kick made it 3-1 to the Spanish at half-time.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty forced extra time after Maghnes Akliouche had halved the deficit, but it was Sergio Camello who scored twice in the additional half-hour to give Spain the gold.
In the statement, Henry himself 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 had been under contract until June next year, but has decided to step back early, which surprised Diallo, the FFF president.
“We obviously regret this decision because Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives that had been set for him by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, 40 years after the Olympic medal in Los Angeles,” Diallo said in the statement.
“Having followed him throughout this campaign, I was able to see his great professionalism, rigour and love of the blue jersey. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career.”
