Thierry Henry retires from French team

Thierry Henry said on Thursday he is retiring from the French national team.

The 32-year-old forward announced his decision during an interview at the offices of the AP before a news conference to discuss his signing with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

He said he will not try to emulate England’s David Beckham and commute between the U.S. and Europe.

“I always want to be here 100 per cent and fully committed to this cause and the organisation,” Henry said.

Henry had 51 goals in 123 international appearances. He made his debut on October 11, 1997, in a 2-1 win over South Africa. His finale was on June 22 against Bafana Bafana, when he was introduced as a 55th minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat that condemned France to a first round exit from the World Cup.

“That was my last game, against South Africa,” he said. “Ironically, it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa.”

Henry said he had made up his mind to retire before the World Cup.

“I couldn’t announce it before because that’s the not type of thing you announce before a World Cup,” he said.