Thierry Henry swaps sports as Arsenal legend lends helping hand to break Irish hearts once more in Six Nations
FRANCE football legend Thierry Henry is turning his attention to rugby ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations fixtures.
Les Bleus are due to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, and were visited in-camp by the Arsenal legend before travelling.
Henry is experienced in beating Ireland – he played when the two sides faced each other for a crunch World Cup qualifier in 2009.
Deep into extra time in the second leg, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1, Henry controlled the ball with his hand in the box before squaring to William Gallas, who scored the winner.
Looking back, Henry has described the moment as a low point in his career, saying “It’s true I regret it and that is why shortly afterwards I went to each Irish player to speak to them.
“After that we did not celebrate, not even in the dressing rooms.”
The goal drew criticism from former players, with France legend David Ginola going so far as to say “I’m very embarrassed by the situation. I don’t feel very proud to be French this morning.”
Now, though, Henry is prepared to share his experiences in beating Ireland.
He was pictured on France Rugby’s X profile meeting the team and being presented with a signed shirt.
The post caption thanked Henry for “inspiring moments of sharing” with the squad.
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A France Rugby Instagram post showed Henry meeting various France players and staff including Antoine Dupont, Yoram Moefana, and head coach Fabien Galthié.
Henry was pictured speaking in front of the entire team and to smaller groups of players.
A win for France on Saturday would see them go top of the Six Nations standings despite losing to England at Twickenham in week two of the tournament.
Ireland, though, are chasing a fifth Six Nations grand slam, and remain unbeaten through matches against Wales, Scotland, and England.
Henry is among the most successful French athletes of all time, having won both the World Cup and European Championship with the national side, also adding a wealth of titles at club level.
He took to the dugout last summer with the France Olympic Football team, coaching his young squad to a silver medal after falling to Spain in the finals.
Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta finished the tournament as his top scorer, with five goals in six matches.