Petit: France's attitude toward Arsenal legend Henry is hypocritical and cowardly

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has slammed the criticism aimed towards Thierry Henry in France, claiming the country is “hypocritical and cowardly”.
France’s record goal scorer announced he is leaving the New York Red Bulls, while Arsene Wenger claimed his former talisman will make a return to the Emirates in the future.
Yet, despite his legendary status in North London, Henry has failed to attract similar praise from his home nation - particularly after the controversial handball incident in Les Bleus’ crucial World Cup qualifier against Ireland in 2010 – due to being “screwed” by the media, according to Petit.
Speaking to French website sports.fr, Petit said: "In England, he [Henry] has a statue [outside the Emirates stadium]. That says a lot. He is revered over there.
"How can you reproach Thierry Henry? His handball against Ireland? It helped us qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.
"He's done nothing wrong. France is hypocritical and cowardly.”
He added: "He got screwed by the French press after his handball, and since then he does not speak to the French [media].
"But look, he speaks very well to the British media. He was an expert during the World Cup on the BBC, he enjoyed it because he loves football.
"In France he has no relationship with the press, so what? Maybe - because he wasn't smiling when he scored for Les Bleus.
"There you are - that's what I hate in this country.
"I have a lot of difficulty with the French, I've never seen a people so arrogant, smug, untruthful and hypocritical."