Arsenal legend Thierry Henry quits role as France Under-21s head coach after Olympics heartbreak on home soil

Henry took over France's Under-21 side just over a year ago as he signed a two-year contract with the French Football Federation (FFF) to serve as the head coach of the youth side until the summer of 2025. However, the Arsenal and France icon has now revealed that he will step down from his post with immediate effect.

The 47-year-old was chosen to take charge of the Under-23 side this summer for the Paris Olympics, and Henry's decision to step down from the post comes just over a week after he led the French Olympic football team to a silver medal as they lost the final at home in Paris to Spain. The Arsenal and Barcelona icon has now revealed that he is stepping down due to 'personal reasons'.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Henry said: “I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo who offered me this incredible opportunity. 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."

Speaking to the media following Henry's decision, FFF president Diallo said: "We obviously regret this decision because Thierry 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 rigour and his love of the blue jersey. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career."

The French legend has not revealed what the future holds for him and it remains to be seen if he will return to a coaching role. Henry has previously worked as a coach at Arsenal and also enjoyed roles with MLS side CF Montreal and Ligue 1 club Monaco.