Thierry Henry TURNED DOWN the chance to become the manager of the French women’s team after Corinne Diacre’s dismissal, claims FFF committee member Jean-Michel Aulas

• Corinne Diacre dismissed from role as head coach months out from World Cup
• Claimed by Jean-Michel Aulas that Thierry Henry turned down the chance
• Search for a new head coach goes on with the national team in disarray 

Thierry Henry turned down the chance to takeover as the France women’s national team boss following Corinne Diacre’s dismissal, it has been claimed.

Diacre was dismissed from her post earlier this month with the side in total disarray following a raft of players withdrawing from the squad owing to her continued leadership of the team.

The French Football Federation described ‘a very significant divide’ that had ‘reached the point of no return’ in their parting statement to Diacre, and the search for a new head coach started immediately with the World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand, just a matter of months away.

However, it has emerged that Henry, one of the Federation’s targets, has turned down the opportunity.

Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that he personally had asked the former Montreal Impact boss whether he would be interested.

It has been revealed Thierry Henry turned down the chance to takeover as France women boss

Follows the dismissal of Corinne Diacre earlier this month amid an extremely fractured set up

Jean-Michel Aulas made the revelation as the FFF continue to search for a replacement 

‘He considered it, Thierry,’ Aulas told Le Figaro. ‘I personally asked him the question, but the response was not positive.

‘He was obviously very flattered that he was asked. We did it because we were told he might be interested.

‘But it will not be Thierry Henry. I think he is moving on to other projects.’

Henry left his post as Belgium’s assistant manager following their disappointing World Cup campaign. Roberto Martinez has since taken over as the boss of Portugal’s national side, though Henry’s next steps remain unclear.

In January he denied reports he had offered his services to the Belgian FA to takeover as the head coach.

‘I would like to make it abundantly clear that contrary to written reports, I have never contacted the Belgian FA offering my services as the new first team coach. I think it’s vital that the truthful version of facts is always presented,’ he told Sky Sports. 

The French Football Federation described ‘a very significant divide’ that had ‘reached the point of no return’ in their parting statement to Diacre, and the search for a new head coach started immediately with the World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand, just a matter of months away.

However, it has emerged that Henry, one of the Federation’s targets, has turned down the opportunity.

With France’s national side significantly fractured, the FFF moved to remove Diacre from her post.

Wendie Renard (L) was one of the players who withdrew from selection for this year’s tournament

Senior members of the squad such as Wendie Renard, the former captain and widely regarded to be among the finest players in the world, withdrew themselves from selection under Diacre.

‘I love France more than anything, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level,’ Renard said on social media last month.

‘It is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team.

‘Unfortunately, I will not be playing in this World Cup under such conditions. My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer anymore.’

She has since declared herself available for selection under a new coach. 

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