• France

Petit stands by controversial Henry claim

Emmanuel Petit has stood by the sentiment of his controversial claim that Thierry Henry is not appreciated in his native France, but admitted he could have phrased his comments more sensitively.

Petit caused outrage when he suggested former international team-mate Henry would be more appreciated by the French footballing public if their home country "had been invaded by the Germans".

Petit was replying to a question about whether Henry,who is considering his future after the expiry of his contract with New York Red Bulls this month, should be given the opportunity to play for France in March's friendly with Brazil in order to give the striker a fitting finale to his international career.

Petit told sport365 he had been "stupid" to make the reference, but reiterated his belief that Henry is not fully appreciated back home.

"I apologise. The historical reference was stupid. I apologise to the Jewish people, but also to those who were in the war," he said. "My reference was wrong. Things have to be put in context. I was asked about the possibility of giving Thierry Henry an honourable exit in a prestigious game.

"I found that unfounded, because it was the same people who vilified Thierry Henry for years, and did not give him the status he deserved. For me, he is the best striker in the history of French football."

Henry, who scored a record 51 goals in 123 international appearances, last appeared for France at the catastrophic 2010 World Cup, which was marred by the France squad's infamous strike.

The French Football Federation famously failed to support the striker following his deliberate handball in the build-up to the playoff goal that sent France to the tournament at the expense of Republic of Ireland.

Thierry Henry announced he would not be returning to the New York Red Bulls in 2015 © Getty Images

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