Former France captain Thierry Henry said on Friday he felt sidelined after playing only a cameo role in his country’s disastrous World Cup campaign, but insisted the squad were right to show support for Nicolas Anelka. “I felt sidelined. People didn’t speak to me as they used to,” Henry told Canal Plus television in his first interview since France crashed out following a miserable tournament.
Henry, the only survivor of France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, said he was “no longer” the big brother figure that the squad’s younger members looked up to. “Previously, people talked to me more, I was at the forefront,” said the 32-year-old.
But that changed when coach Raymond Domenech indicated that Henry would be relegated to the substitutes’ bench.
“When you no longer have credibility in a group it becomes difficult,” admitted Henry. “I felt snubbed and after a bit your pride takes a knock,” he said.
France, finalists in 2006, limped out of the World Cup early after a 0-0 draw with Uruguay and defeats by Mexico and South Africa. Their campaign exploded in controversy when Chelsea striker Anelka was sent home for a foul-mouthed rant at Domenech. Asked to comment on the Anelka episode, Henry said: “Perhaps there was something beforehand (between Anelka and Domenech) — maybe a malaise.” — AFP