The French Football Federation confirmed that Thierry Henry has stepped down as coach of the under-21 national team on Monday.

The 47-year-old coach recently led France Under-23s to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. But despite missing out on gold, it was still an achievement for the former Arsenal forward.

But on Monday, the French Football Federation confirmed Henry had resigned as coach of the Under-21 team, the primary role he has held.

It was surprising news for all parties because there had been no news or possibility that Henry would part ways with the French youth team before this.

The AFF said Henry’s decision to quit the U21 national team was due to ‘personal reasons’. With Philippe Diallo, the federation’s president ยูฟ่าเบท. Having spoken to Henry privately before accepting the coach’s decision.

Philippe Diallo, the French Football Federation president, said: “On behalf of the FFF. I would like to thank Thierry Henry for all the work he has accomplished as the head of the under-21 and Olympic teams.

“We obviously regret this decision because Thierry was able to achieve the objectives that had been set for him by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, 40 years after the Olympic medal in Los Angeles.

“Having followed him throughout this campaign. I was able to discover his great professionalism, his rigour and his love of the blue jersey. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career.”

Although Diallo was upset by Henry’s sudden departure. The FFF president said he accept the decision and wish Henry the best of luck for the future. As the team now looks for a manager to lead the team to matches against Bosnia and Slovenia in early September.