Thierry Henry has re-opened the discussion about what happened when he used his hand to help France against the Republic of Ireland in 2009. Six years later, the French striker still has no regrets
“It was a reflex. A reflex by a competitor, just like when you reach out for the ball on the line when your goalkeeper is beaten,” Henry said in an interview with French media.
WATCH: Henry's handball was seen by everyone but the referees
The handball would set William Gallas to score the goal that would give France its ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It would also deny Ireland the opportunity to participate in an event they felt they deserved to go.
Henry finished his career playing for the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer. He was heavily criticized for escaping Europe just after the handball incident happened. Many people felt he
To escape what? To escape who? I wanted to go as soon as 2009, but I didn’t because I kept playing with the national team. It's total rubbish,” the striker mentioned.
The 37-year-old former player who just retired feels people went over the top when criticizing what he did. He compared it to something similar Lionel Messi did against Espanyol.
WATCH: Messi gets one-step closer to Maradona with this
“When I see Messi scoring against Espanyol, diving to touch the ball with his hand, people say, 'What a genius, now he is closer than ever to Maradona,' Henry said, “But when it was me, it was like I had killed someone.”
WATCH: Maradona's "Mano de Dios"
No matter what other people say, Henry is at peace with himself. At that moment, and at that time he felt it was the right thing to do.
WATCH: How Henry enjoys retirement
