France U21s boss Thierry Henry is one of Arsenal’s biggest legends (Picture: AFP/Getty)
Thierry Henry gave a coy response when asked if he would like to become the Arsenal manager one day, insisting he has too much respect for Mikel Arteta.
Henry, one of the most adored players in Arsenal history, registered 228 goals and 103 assists across 377 games for the Gunners, helping the north Londoners win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Given the Frenchman’s long association with Arsenal, some have tipped the 46-year-old to one day become manager of the club, especially given that he has already stepped into coaching.
Henry, who has had two spells as an assistant coach for Belgium, took charge of France U21s this summer and will lead the French Olympic team at the 2024 Games.
The former striker has also previously worked as head coach of Ligue 1 club Monaco and Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact.
Henry, who appeared on The Rest is Football podcast on Friday, was quizzed by Micah Richards if he could ever see himself taking over at Arsenal, with the former Manchester City defender insisting that he was not trying to create ‘headlines’.
‘It will make headlines!’ Henry said. ‘One time, I was stupid enough to say it’s the dream of any fan. They said Thierry Henry wants to be manager of Arsenal.’
Richards then referenced Burnley manager Vincent Kompany – who has been backed by Pep Guardiola to one day take the City job – and asked Henry if it was the same with him and Arsenal.
‘It’s very difficult for me to say that because when I say something about Arsenal, it goes places,’ Henry added.
‘I have mad respect for Mikel. He’s done extremely well in the last two years. I have realised when it comes to talking about coaching, talking about Arsenal… I have too much respect for the overall situation.
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‘Otherwise, Mikel will be asked, ‘Thierry Henry said…’ – you don’t need this type of question in a press conference. We don’t need to do that!’
Talking about his ambitions of coaching and managing in general, and if he would prefer to stay in the France camp to one day succeed Didier Deschamps or step back into club football, Henry said: ‘Whatever level it is, for me, improving players is what I love the most.
‘People will say, ‘Oh, yeah, great, amazing…’ – but I swear, I remember more the coaches who made me smarter than the ones who made me win.
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‘When I talk about Pep Guardiola, I talk about what he gave me, not what we won.
‘Also there was a Brazilian coach when I was young, I was 13, he said, ‘Thierry, today you cannot use your speed, you have to work on your movement’ – another time, he said I could not pass the ball back. You have to find a way.
‘I will always remember that guy and I speak to him until now, I value that.’
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