Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry possesses some of the essential characteristics needed to be a manager.
Henry, 37, ended his 20-year playing career this week and told the Daily Telegraph that managing Arsenal “would be a dream come true”.
Wenger, who signed Henry in 1999, said: “He will end up at Arsenal one day. Coach? Manager? Director? I don’t know.
“He always showed an incredible insight in his judgement of players. He has a real ability to unearth talent.”
Thierry Henry’s senior clubs
2010-2014: New York Red Bulls
2007-2010: Barcelona
1999-2007: Arsenal (plus loan spell in 2012)
1999-1999: Juventus
1994-1999: Monaco
“To pass your badges, you have to work closely with a club and I would like to think it is going to be Arsenal,” he said.
There is already a bronze statue of the Frenchman, who returned for ashort loan spell from New York in January 2012, outside the Emirates Stadium in recognition of his 228 goals for the club, an Arsenal record.
Henry a hell of a player – Shearer
Asked about Henry’s character, Wenger said: “Thierry is blessed with a strong personality and he could get angry, but once he had re-found his calm, he was always very clear-headed.
“Ninety per cent of the time, it was a pleasure and 10% we could feel the little differences in our view of things.
“To be a coach you need to sacrifice your life. What is certain is that Thierry will stay in football.”
