Henry is Belgium's assistant coach

Aug 27, 2016 06:00 am

Former France star Thierry Henry has been named as the new assistant coach of Belgium, national coach Roberto Martinez announced yesterday.

"Thierry is an important figure. He will bring something different. He agreed right away to join us," said Martinez, who was appointed at the start of the month to succeed the sacked Marc Wilmots.

Henry, 39, finished his glittering playing career in 2014 with New York Red Bulls after previously starring for Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona.

Since hanging up his boots, he has been working as a pundit for British television station Sky and as an Under-18 coach at Arsenal.

He left the latter role in July because Gunners boss Arsene Wenger did not want Henry juggling his coaching with his punditry.

Belgium face Spain in a friendly next Thursday and then take on Cyprus away in their opening qualifier for the 2018 World Cup on Sept 6. - AFP.