• World Cup

'Isolated' Henry sheds light on France's troubles

Soccernet staff
June 26, 2010
Thierry Henry hardly featured on the pitch for France © Getty Images
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France striker Thierry Henry revealed he had felt "isolated'' in a World Cup squad where there was a "sickness'' after a disastrous campaign in South Africa which will now be the subject of a government enquiry.

The squad returned to France on Thursday following a dismal performance where they mustered a solitary point from three games and gained notoriety for a training ground boycott in protest at the decision by the French Football Federation (FFF) to send home Nicolas Anelka following a bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

And Henry admitted that his lack of playing time at the World Cup led to him being distanced from his team-mates.

"I could have been the older brother but I wasn't anymore," Henry told Canal+. "I felt isolated, it doesn't matter who by.

"They didn't talk to me as they used to. Before they talked to me more. But when you don't have credibility in a group any more it becomes difficult.''

Henry believes the Anelka controversy was not the reason behind France's exit but rather the rot had already set in. However, the Barcelona striker insists the squad were always united.

"I don't know whether the Anelka matter was the triggering factor,'' Henry said. "There was certainly a sickness.

"But I don't think you can talk of clans. I can tell you that I never saw any fights, I didn't see anyone put any pressure on whoever. Decisions were group ones.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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