Arsenal's all-time recordgoalscorer Thierry Henry has opened up about the reasons he did not continue his coaching career at the Emirates.
Henry had previously worked part-time with the Arsenal academy and was expected to return after a short absence, yet instead becameRoberto Martinez's assistant when hewas appointedBelgium boss in August 2016.
And speaking to RMC Sport,Henry has explained it was hisformer boss Arsene Wenger who blockedhis return to north London.
"I'm not in a hurry, I'm learning a lot, in the heat of the moment. I got an offer, I took it," Henry claimed.
"The boss of the academy (at Arsenal) proposed to me to be coach of the Under-18s. I think you saw it, it did not happen (Editor's note: Arsene Wenger vetoed).
"I respect the choice of the coach (Arsene Wenger)," said the 39-year-old.
Henry's revelation will surprise and disappoint a number of Gunners fans.
The former Juventus and Barcelona attacker was a fans favourite at the Emiratesafter scoring 226 goals in eight years in England. Henry even has a statue outside the Emirates in recognition of his achievements.
During his time with Arsenal, the all-timeleading French goal scorer won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and finished top goal scorer in the Premier League on four different occasions.
Henry left Arsenal in 2007 and moved to Barcelona for €24m where he went on to win twoLa Liga titles anda Champions League medalin three season at the Nou Camp.