Thierry Henry Retires From International Football
By Chris Wright
Shameless!
It never rains but it pours. New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry has followed Emile Heskey‘s lead and retired from international football this afternoon.
Henry, who is France’s record goal-scorer with 51 goals in 123 appearances, announced his decision during an open interview at the offices of The Associated Press in New York earlier this afternoon.
When asked whether he would try to emulate David Beckham‘s decision to continue to commute between the U.S. and England, the 32-year-old forward simply replied;
“This is the end for me on the national team.
I always want to be here [at the New York Red Bulls] and be fully committed to this cause and the organization.
That was my last game against South Africa, ironically it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa.
I couldn’t announce it before because that’s the not type of thing you announce before a World Cup.”
Nothing like going out on a high, eh Thierry?
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He profited from being the most successful of all-time, 1998-2000, but when he had to carry the mantle is gradually went down-hill. He never impressed me as captain and when he got dropped for the WC must’ve been the final nail in the coffin. Though anyone but himself would argue he was lucky to be even in the squad after his dismal season with Barcelona.
I read somewhere he not only debuted and ended his international career against South Africa but he also scored his first goal for France against them. That’s one for Trivia Pursuit.
It really is a shame for such a great player to fizzle out like he has.
The last 4-5 years do no justice to what Henry has brought to the game. I think everyone should bear in mind he must still be considered, in his prime, one of the best strikers ever.
It’s strange how some players can cope brilliantly with ageing as their careers advance and they seem like they get better every game (just look at the level Zidane played the WC06 Final, if there were no headbutts, he would win ‘Baller of the Year in the LAST year of his career) and others seem to not do that so well.
I’d say Zidane fizzled out after 2002. In his final few years in Madrid he was just fair while his performance at WC 06 has been hyped up way too much. He was, just as the rest of the team, shocking in the first two games in the group where France barely made it out of. Last 16 game Spain had 65% of the possession, semi vs Portugal was a total bore, and the Final needs no explanation. Only game Zidane truly stood out IMO was his virtuoso against Brazil. He was wrongly awarded the Golden Ball because it should’ve been Cannavaro.
[...] former France international was also quizzed about his former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas‘ ongoing transfer ordeal, [...]