Thierry Henry has insisted that he’ll continue to support and wish former club Arsenal well despite leaving his youth coaching role.
The Frenchman was forced to leave after choosing not to give up his Sky Sports commitments, as requested by Arsene Wenger.
In turn, he will now continue to work towards acquiring his coaching badges elsewhere, while simultaneously also offering his insight and knowledge as a pundit and expert with the broadcaster.
Despite the fact that it could have led to a tense situation between himself and Wenger, he has insisted that he still wants to manage Arsenal in the future and respects the decision taken.
“I’d be lying if I told you being manager wasn’t a wish that I have because I love Arsenal,” he said, as noted by The Sun.
“The game is my passion and always will be. I would like to manage, but I am far from it.
Although I am able to manage any team now, I would still like to pass my Uefa Pro Licence, which I’m working on to give me a better all-round knowledge.”
“Before you can think of becoming a first-team coach you need to have experience. That is what I’m trying to get and to complete the necessary coaching hours that are needed.
“There is a massive difference between a wish and doing it. I felt I could add something to the kids and also gain valuable experience myself. If it’s not to be there, then so be it. I have to respect the situation.
“I’ll continue to support the team and wish them the best for this season.”
From an Arsenal perspective, it is disappointing to see a club legend such as Henry leave and continue his coaching career elsewhere, with various other influential individuals also failing to secure a future at the Emirates after calling time on their respective playing careers.
However, ultimately perhaps Wenger was right to force him to commit to the Gunners and focus on his career there as opposed to on Sky Sports, and many supporters would arguably have agreed with his stance.
It would certainly have been a difficult decision for Henry to make at this stage of his coaching journey, but the door is seemingly still open for a return to Arsenal in the future when he is at an advanced stage of his path in management.