MARCA had the opportunity to speak exclusively with Thierry Henry (Les Ulis, Ile-de-France, 1977) on the occasion of a Samsung brand event in London celebrating 20 years of its absolute leadership in the television sector and within the framework of a study on TV consumption at the Soccer World Cups.
Ask. What expectations do you have for the World Cup?
Answer. First of all, I wanted to say hello to the entire MARCA audience, since I haven’t stopped by here in a while. And about the World Cup… I’m already looking forward to it, although I will be working for English CBS. But a World Cup is always exciting. It is every four years, which makes it unique and super special. The Champions League is, but we have it every year. I’m not saying that the Champions League is easy to win, but you have a chance every year.
Henry, at the Samsung event.
Q. Why do you think this Cup will be special?
A. The fact that it is in three countries makes it more special. I hope it will be a great Cup. In the last one, in 2022, we had a spectacular final, with the result that the French did not want, although the match was incredible and everyone, except us, ended up happy that Messi won. Overall, I think we are going to see a great show with great players, surprises, etc.
Q. Speaking of favorites. Would you put Argentina, Spain and France on the same level?
A. First of all, we have to respect Argentina a lot, they are the current champions. It is still a solid team and they have Messi with number 10. Then there are us, France, who have a great National Team and we have reached the last two finals; and then there is Spain. It amazes me that it doesn’t matter what players they have, and the team always plays in the same way: same attractive style and it is very difficult to take the ball away from them.
Q. Do you see France as very strong?
R. Our country is very strong. Of the last seven World Cups, we have reached four finals. That’s very incredible. I am very optimistic, yes.
Q. And Spain?
A. If you put together the generation from 15-10 years ago, the one that won the World Cup, and the one from now, what Spain produces is amazing. Then there are the crossovers and team moments. Croatia, for example, seems to have ended its golden generation, and it is always still there, with Modric, etc. Much respect to them.
The curious thing about a World Cup is that you play in it, but you don’t prepare for it. Coaches don’t have time to train. The players reach the top of minutes and games of all kinds with a lot of pressure from all sides. That’s why sometimes there are so many disappointments.
Q. Does any other team catch your attention?
A. I love Portugal’s midfield: Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes… with Nuno Mendes and others behind… and up top they have the monster (Thierry refers to Cristiano). I think you have to respect that team. Also, England, the possible awakening of Brazil, Norway, Senegal… the new Germany… The truth is that many things can happen in a World Cup and it depends on injuries, crosses, etc.
Thierry, with the MARCA editor in London.
Q. What do you expect from Mbappé, after this disappointing season for Madrid and the injuries that Kylian has had?
A. That’s something everyone will have to deal with. I just hope that Kylian comes fresh, one hundred percent, and can have a good tournament for our country. That’s all.
Q. And Lamine?
A. Same for Spain. I hope it reaches its peak, because in the World Cup we want the best in their best condition. Even if it is worse for France, I want to see the best Lamine Yamal there. We know that he is an out-of-class player, and he already showed it in the last Euro Cup, which Spain won, by the way.
But….do you know what amazes me about Lamine? I remember that in the semi-final match against France, in a counterattack, and already winning 2-1, he had the opportunity to continue attacking, but no, at 17 years old, he had the intelligence to stop the match, and slow down the pace, because it was what was best for the team. And so he told his team. He controlled the ball, lowered it and delayed it to Carvajal. Whatee? At 17 years old! People focus on their skill and technique, but that intelligence amazed me. That kid plays like he’s in his neighborhood. Time will tell what happens, but he has shown me that he can be the star in any Cup.
Q. You said several times that you love Michael Olise (Bayern). Do you see it in Spanish LaLiga?
R. Why do you want me to talk about that? (Laughs) Michael is fantastic, but don’t forget that he plays for Bayern Munich, which is already a big club in Europe. That’s the only thing I can tell you about a player I love watching, and not only because of his offensive ability, but because of what he does without the ball. With or without the ball he is outstanding.
Q. Let’s finish with Cristiano and Messi’s sixth World Cup. What do you think?
A. I don’t know what else to say about them. They are not normal. It’s not just the fact of always being at the top in the world; of their goals, their records… Their longevity amazes me, that’s what I respect them the most. Talking about longevity is talking about eating well, not going out to party, being with family, training well, working harder than anyone else.
The way they conduct themselves in life is to take their hats off. And they are still one of the best. They are from another galaxy. The same as Luka Modric. It’s amazing for all of them that they seem better at the end of their career than at the beginning. They don’t have a ‘prime’. They have been there for many years of their career.
Q. You don’t choose anyone?
A. That is a mistake. Why do people want to separate them, if they can enjoy them all? Of course, I played with Leo, and I prefer him for a sentimental reason, but that’s why I will never go against Cristiano. They are both on the football moon. They are from another planet. They have made each other better, like Nadal and Federer, Prost-Senna, and others in the history of sport. Cris and Leo are out of the competition.
