Fabien Galthie welcomed a familiar face to their camp (Image: Getty)
In a unique approach to preparing for their upcoming match against Ireland, France coach Fabien Galthie invited football icon Thierry Henry to join the team’s camp. Henry, who earned 123 caps for France and won a World Cup and European Championship, has a complex history with the Irish team.
In 2009, he was involved in a contentious incident where he handled the ball in the buildup to William Gallas’s winning goal, securing France’s 2-1 aggregate victory and a spot in the 2010 World Cup, while denying Ireland a place in the tournament.
It is unclear whether this incident was discussed during Henry’s visit with Galthie’s players, but France is looking to dash Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes when they face off in Dublin this weekend. The French team announced Henry’s visit on X, stating: “Last night, a French football legend, 1998 World Champion and 2024 Olympic Vice-Champion, honored us with his presence.
“Thank you Mr. Thierry Henry for these inspiring moments of sharing spent with our #XVdeFrance!”
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????????????⚽️ Hier soir, une légende de football français, Champion du Monde 1998 et vice-Champion Olympique 2024, nous a fait l’honneur de sa présence.✨?????? Merci M. Thierry Henry pour ces moments de partage inspirants passés auprès de notre ! |…
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby)
Henry, who has since expressed regret over the infamous handball, undoubtedly has insight into how to unsettle the Irish team. “I shouldn’t have done that, but quite honestly it was just out of my control,” he admitted.
“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.” It remains to be seen whether France’s rugby team will have cause for celebration this weekend.
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