Henry doubted France future after furore

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 22:57

FRANCE captain Thierry Henry admits he considered quitting international football after the uproar caused by his part in the goal which sent Les Bleus to the World Cup finals at the Republic of Ireland's expense.

The Barcelona forward's handball in the build-up to William Gallas' equaliser last Wednesday went unpunished and sent the French through.

Henry knows his reputation will always be marked by the incident and claims he contemplated retiring before opting to continue his France career. He said: "Without the support of my family, I perhaps would not have made the same decision. You can forgive but you cannot always forget."

He added: "Despite everything that has happened I do not let go of (playing for] my country. After the game, and even for the next two days, I felt truly alone."

Henry celebrated with his team-mates rather than immediately admit his handball to referee Martin Hansson, and concedes now that was a mistake.

"I should not have done it," he said. "But it was uncontrollable. After all that had happened... yes, I regret it. That's why right after I spoke with the Irish one by one."