Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge

Thierry Henry has quit his job as the head coach of France's U21s (Image: Getty)

Thierry Henry has quit as the manager of France under-21s after just six matches in charge. The former Arsenal striker also led Les Bleus to the Olympic final in Paris earlier this month, but lost the showdown 5-3 against Spain.

Henry was appointed as France U21s boss following an underwhelming European Championship performance under Sylvain Ripoll last summer. However, he has decided to step down after just a year in charge.

The 47-year-old is reported to have cited personal reasons.

Henry said: "I would like to thank the FFF and the president Philippe Diallo who offered me this incredible opportunity.

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"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."

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Henry informed Diallo of his decision to quit. The former Monaco and Montreal Impact head coach still had a year remaining on his contract.

"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," Diallo said in the statement.

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

Henry oversaw only six U21 matches, winning four of them. His outings included a 9-0 thumping of Cyprus.

Thierry Henry led France to Olympic silver in Paris this summer (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The former Barcelona man was then placed in charge of France’s Olympic team for the home Games earlier this summer. His side enjoyed an excellent run to the final, defeating USA, Guinea and New Zealand in the group stages.

Argentina and Egypt were swept aside in the knockout rounds. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was particularly key to their success, scoring five goals during the tournament.

However, France were ultimately beaten by Spain in the final. A silver medal was an underwhelming outcome on home soil.

It is unclear whether Henry will take another job soon. He previously spent three months in charge of Monaco, losing 11 of his 20 matches with a win percentage of only 20 per cent. He then spent 14 months at Montreal Impact where he oversaw 16 defeats in 29 games.

Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge

Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge

Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge

Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge

Thierry Henry quits France under-21 job after just six games in charge