Henry ‘respects’ Wenger’s decision after Gunners exit

Thierry Henry insists he ‘respects, Arsene Wenger’s decision to make him choose between punditry or coachimg Arsenal’s under-18.

The former Gunners striker had been involved with Arsenal’s academy players last season during his course to gain his UEFA A Licence.

The 38-year-old, who works on Sky’s Premier League coverage and also appeared on the BBC’s Euro 2016 output, was offered a role within the Arsenal set-up by manager Wenger – but was told he would have to step down as a pundit.

Henry, one of the top-earners at Sky since signing for the network in December, clarified the situation with Arsenal in a series of posts on his official Twitter account.

“I would like to thank Andries Jonker for offering me the chance to coach the U18’s @arsenal, which I was honoured to accept,” Henry wrote on the social media microblogging site.

“However I respect Arsene Wenger’s decision and I want to wish their manager Kwame Ampadu, the boys and everyone at the club all the best for the forthcoming season.”

Wenger himself has several television commitments including a deal with beIN Sports, but appears against members of his staff combining dual roles.

Nevertheless, the Arsenal manager has a history of aiding his former players, with Steve Bould currently his assistant and Freddie Ljungberg working within the youth ranks.

Mikel Arteta, who retired at the end of last season, is also believed to have been offered a backroom role, but decided to move to work under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams is now believed to be set to return on a permanent basis.

The ex-Portsmouth and Wycombe boss, 49, underwent heart surgery last year and has already been working with Arsenal’s Under-18s in recent weeks.