Thierry Henry signs three-year deal to become Monaco coach
Having started his playing days with Monaco, ex-France, Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry will now begin his managerial career with the Ligue 1 club.
Thierry Henry has signed a three-year deal to become Monaco's head coach. Henry replaces Leonardo Jardim, who was dismissed on Thursday after six points from their opening nine matches left them languishing 18th in Ligue 1.
Henry's coming home
The 41-year-old made his professional debut for Monaco in 1994 before going on to enjoy prolific spells at Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls. After two years as Roberto Martínez's assistant with the Belgium national side, he has now been tasked with reviving a team who only two seasons ago won the league and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
"I want to thank Monaco for giving me the opportunity to coach a club that is so special to me," he told the club's official website. "I am very happy to come back to Monaco and extremely determined to meet the challenges ahead. I cannot wait to meet the players and start working together."
Vadim Vasilyev, Monaco's vice-president and chief executive officer, added: "His knowledge of football, his passion for the game, his high standards and his commitment to our colours make his appointment a reality. Thierry is both aware of the task ahead and eager to start his new job. He can count on our trust and all our support to bring a new dynamic to the team and carry out its mission."
Brilliant playing career
Henry, who had been linked with the Aston Villa job, enjoyed a decorated career for both club and country. An eight-year spell with Arsenal – where he won two Premier League titles – saw him become the club's all-time leading scorer with 228 goals, while he also won the Champions League during his three-year stint with Barça.
He is also France's leading scorer with 51 goals and won the World Cup in 1998 and European Championship in 2000 with Les Bleus.
Strasbourg trip
His first game in charge for Monaco is a visit to Strasbourg on Saturday in Ligue 1 before a meeting with Club Brugge in the Champions League four days later.