The French world champion Thierry Henry, whose coach wanted to coach Bordeaux, eventually decided to take part again in the Belgian national team, where he was promoted on Friday as first assistant coach Roberto Martinez.
"There was a lot of talk about his decision to concentrate on his coaching career, we are very happy that he decided to stay with the Red Devils", said the Spanish coach during a press conference in Brussels.
Thierry Henry, 41, who was World Champion at the Blues in 1998, succeeds Graeme Jones's first assistant coach to go to the West Bromwich Albion (English D2) club.
For two years, the former Arsenal striker was responsible for coaching the Red Devils attack, which was third in the World Championship in Russia in July.
For Martinez his appointment is "natural". "Thierry Henry is someone who has a lot of influence on the band and does a great job," he said.
"He will now work full-time in the organigram of the federation", added the Spaniard, also referring to the departure of the French from Sky Sports, for which he was a consultant for four years.
The announcement of this promotion in Belgium comes a few days after the end of the negotiations that the former Gunner started this month with the management of the Girondins de Bordeaux, looking for a new coach.
According to sources close to the case in France, Thierry Henry ultimately rejected their offer because of the lack of guarantees from the US investment fund GACP to become the owner of the Girondins at the end of September.
– "Patient" –
Very avarious of public expressions, he commented only once this month on the evolution of his career … In a tweet on August 2, where he just entrusted his intention to be "patient". "I will make my decision at the right time," he added.
In the coaching position of Belgian strikers, Henry is replaced by Scottish Shaun Maloney, 35 years old, former international who has played for Celtic Glasgow and Aston Villa, said the Belgian Federation Friday.
Despite his inexperience as a coach, Henry was the priority course of the Bordeaux leadership to follow Uruguayan coach Gustavo Poyet.
He had initially reached an agreement in principle with M6, the current owner of the Girondins. But the negotiations with the future American buyers finally ended, the points of disagreement were too numerous.
The Red Devils are the first big events of the season for Henry in Glasgow on September 7 for a friendly match against Scotland, and then at 11 in Reykjavik, where Belgium will play the first game League of Nations.
Four newcomers were named after the team: midfielders Timothy Castagne (Atalanta Bergamo), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Birger Verstraete (La Gantoise) and striker Leandro Trossard (Genk). Star striker Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) is currently injured.
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