Henry speaks out over friendly
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry tonight explained why he wants to play for France in their forthcoming friendly against Costa Rica in Martinique.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has reluctantly agreed to release his talisman for the match next Wednesday, but believes Henry would benefit more from resting after returning from a groin injury which has restricted his involvement in recent games.
However, the Arsenal captain used tonight’s matchday programme for the Champions League clash with Sparta Prague to outline the personal reasons for why he wanted to travel.
“I would like to say a few words about my situation with the French national team,” he said.
“I have been asked if I will go to play our match against Costa Rica on November 9 on the island of Martinique and if I am picked I will go.
“There are a lot of reasons behind my choice – the game is being played to raise money for a plane crash which occurred in Venezuela in August and the people of Martinique, itself a French department, have been waiting for the national team to play on the island for a long, long time.
“My mother is also from Martinique, and so I look forward to playing there.
“I love representing my country and, if I am fit and selected, I will play.”
