In an interview published in the French newspaper L’Équipe, FC Barcelona Thierry Henry (32) confessed that he had thought about leaving the French national team and complained about the lack of support he is getting from the country’s Football Federation: “I felt alone during the first few days after the incident. On Friday, when everything (controversy) started going too far, I was very angry. I began asking myself the question (as to whether I should remain with the team). Of course I would not abandon the selection, but I feel a little let down“ the player said.
“Without the support of my family, I would have taken a different decision, but now, I have decided, I will fight to the end. Although (I will admit) what just happened is (something) very serious. It can be forgiven, but it can’t never be forgotten,” he said, adding, “Despite everything that made me feel me abandoned, I will not walk out on my country”.
Henry revealed that he had already considered leaving the selection twice before: “After the 2006 World cup I thought about it, but it was too soon. And again after Euro 2008, but (back then) it was not the best moment. There was a generation (of young footballers) who needed me,” he mentioned.
The striker said he once even risked his career with Barcelona just so he can play for France when he was injured: “I can never thanked the coach (Guardiola) and the fans enough for their support. I could not bend my knee (then), but I could not stay away from playing in the qualifiers for France”.
Henry said his handball in the match against Ireland was a “match affair” that was over-emphasized and criticised, without giving him the chance to explain himself. The player also said he went in front of the media to admit to his foul even though he could have left the stadium through “the back door” without saying a word.
Finally asked about the statement he made about wanting a replay, out the same day as FIFA’s decision not to have it, Henry said, “I was working on the matter with my lawyer without knowing that FIFA was going to give a ruling that same day”.
