Henry dreams of Arsenal job; reveals details of coaching snub

Thierry Henry says he dreams of taking over the reins from Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, but he has played down his coaching exit from the club.

The Gunners legend was offered a role as under-18 coach by the head of the Arsenal academy Andries Jonker, but Arsene Wenger did not want the Frenchman combining it with his job as a Sky Sports pundit.

The 38-year-old, who had worked with the club’s academy players last season as he studied to gain his UEFA ‘A’ Licence, opted to continue in his media role and walk away from the club he “loves”.

“Nothing will change with my love for Arsenal,” he told The Sun.

“First and foremost, I wasn’t an employee. I was allowed to go and pass my badges there. This decision was taken months ago, but I guess it came out now because the new season started and I wasn’t there.

“I have a current job. In my spare time, for free, I wanted to impart my knowledge and experiences in the game to the youngsters, while completing my coaching hours and also gaining knowledge to pass my pro licence.

“That is how it is, it was a dilemma that wasn’t really a dilemma. I have to work. I respect the decision and if I can’t complete my hours there, then I will do it somewhere else. It isn’t an issue.”

Henry, who is Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, admitted he would love to end up in Arsenal dug-out one day.

He added: “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a wish that I have because I love Arsenal. The game is my passion and always will be.

“I would like to manage but I am far from it. Although I am able to manage any team now I would still like to pass my Pro License that I’m working on to give me a better all-round knowledge. I am in the process of doing that.

“There is a massive difference between a wish and doing it. I felt I could add something to the kids and I could also gain valuable experience myself.”