Henry issues statement in response to claims he contacted Belgian FA over job

10 January 2023 , 15:59

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Thierry Henry has denied he has put himself forward for the Belgium job (Image: Sky Sports)

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has denied he has put himself forward for consideration for the vacant Belgium manager's job.

The Red Devils are searching for a new boss after Roberto Martinez's contract was not extended following the World Cup. Martinez oversaw a disastrous tournament, with Belgium dumped out of the competition at the group stage after winning just one game.

The Spaniard had spent six years in charge, leading them to third place at the 2018 World Cup. But the disaster in Qatar means that Belgium are now looking for their 27th permanent boss, with Henry heavily linked with the job.

The Frenchman had been part of Martinez's backroom team in two separate spells, first joining in 2016 before leaving two years later to become Monaco manager. He returned prior to Euro 2020 and was a member of the coaching staff for the most recent World Cup.

Reports have emerged this week claiming that Henry had offered his services to the Belgian FA as a candidate for manager. But Henry has now rubbished those reports, insisting that he has never put his name forward.

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"I would like to make it abundantly clear that contrary to written reports, I have never contacted the Belgian FA offering my services as the new first team coach. I think it's vital that the truthful version of facts is always presented," he told Sky Sports.

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Henry had two different spells working as one of Martinez's assistants (GETTY)

Belgium have until the end of March to decide on a new boss before they return to action with the first Euro 2024 qualifiers. The Belgian FA have already set out their vision for Martinez's replacement, publishing a public job advert last month.

“Even after the early elimination at the World Cup in Qatar, the RBFA remains very ambitious for the future. The RBFA is looking for a full-time national team coach who knows how to win," the advert read.

“The new national team coach is extremely ambitious and has the necessary international experience at top level, football tactical knowledge and insights as well as the right personal skills.

“He is a serial winner with experience in managing top players. He knows how to focus on creating a close-knit group and how to integrate young players. The football association is looking for a tactical expert who supports his choices with data, technology and objective parameters and draws on RBFA’s sporting expertise and structure.”

Martinez meanwhile is already back in management with Portugal, having been announced as their new manager on Monday. After his final game as Belgium boss, the Spaniard admitted the time was right for him to depart.

“That was my last game with the national team and it’s emotional as you can imagine. It was going to be the end whether we were world champions or out in the group stage. t has nothing to do with being eliminated at this stage," he said.

"This is the time for me to accept that this day is the last game. I took the decision just before the World Cup. I always work in the long term. I believe the long-term projects need to be long term and they need to be set in advance."

Jacob Leeks