1 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

two fouls in two knockout-round games that led to decisive scores, although he was criticised by some commentators for faking a facial injury when winning a foul against Spain, although he later defended his actions, citing persistent fouling by Carles Puyol which was going unspotted by the referee, leading him to react in such a manner so as to gain the officials attention. France eventually lost to Italy on penalties 1-1 (5-3) in the final. Henry was one of 10 nominees for the Golden Ball award for Player of the Tournament, an award which was ultimately presented to his teammate, Zinedine Zidane.

Henry is France's second highest goalscorer of all time behind Michel Platini, with only 1 goal separating the two.

Henry trained at Clairefontaine one of the nine French Football Federation's elite academies and played at a youth level for CO Les Ulis (19831989), then Palaiseau (19891990), Viry-Chtillon (19901992) and FC Versailles (19921993). Henry started his professional career at AS Monaco and was given his dbut in 1994 by then Monaco manager, Arsne Wenger, at the age of 17. Wenger put Henry on the left wing because he believed that Henry's pace, natural ball control and skill would terrorise full-backs better than they would centre-backs. Wenger changed his view later, when he signed Henry for Arsenal.

Learn more about this author, Waleed Ahmad.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about The most prolific goal-scorer in football?
We want to hear your view. Write now!