Thierry Henry leaves France contract early for personal reasons | OneFootball

Thierry Henry has decided to terminate his contract with the France Espoirs team early, after winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

Former France International Thierry Henry smiles upon arrival to attend the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 ceremony in London on January 15, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry took on the task of leading the French Olympic team at the Paris Games this summer, and he almost led them all the way to gold.

France won three from three in the Olympic group stages, beating the USA 3-0, Guinea 1-0, and New Zealand 3-0. They then knocked out Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-finals and Egypt 3-1 in the semi-finals, setting up a final against Spain.

Though France took the lead in the final, there was no fairytale ending. Spain went 3-1 up in the first half, and after France rallied to equalise at 3-3, Spain won the match with a couple of extra time goals.

MONTREAL, QC: Then head coach of the Montreal Impact Thierry Henry addresses the media after a victory against New England Revolution during the MLS game at Olympic Stadium on February 29, 2020. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Despite missing out on gold, Henry still helped his country to a silver medal, and he was set to be under contract until June 2025.

Yet the FFF have confirmed that he’s decided to end that deal early.

“On behalf of the FFF, I would like to thank Thierry Henry for all the work he has accomplished at the head of the Espoirs and Olympiques teams,” FFF president Philippe Diallo said.

“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.

“Having followed him throughout this campaign, I was able to discover his great professionalism, his rigor and his love of the blue jersey. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career.”

Thierry Henry looks on during the French L1 football match between Lyon (OL) and Monaco (ASM) on December 16, 2018, at the Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, central-eastern France. (Photo by ROMAIN LAFABREGUE / AFP)

“I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo, who offered me this incredible opportunity,” said Henry.

“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.”

As for why Henry has decided to leave his post early, the FFF say only that it was for personal reasons.