Henry Considered Quitting After World Cup Play-Off Handball

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has revealed that he pondered his international future following the midweek furore surrounding his hand-ball incident that led to France's qualification for the World Cup and the demise of the Republic of Ireland's campaign.

When asked whether he thought about quitting his position as France's primary forward, Henry reportedly told L'Equipe, "Oh yes.

"Friday, when it all went too far, I was very worked up.

"It's not the first time [that I thought about retiring]," Henry added.

"After the 2006 World Cup, I thought about it, but it was too early. After Euro 2008, too, but it wasn't the right moment. There was a generation that needed me.

"Despite everything that has just happened and the fact that I felt let down, I will not let my country down," he said.

Henry's handball assisted William Gallas' extra-time goal in the midweek play-off, and the striker was seen celebrating along with his international team-mates - an incident he regrets.

"I shouldn't have done that but, frankly, it was uncontrollable, after all we had been through.