Henry - I felt alone in French squad

26 June 2010 21:10

France striker Thierry Henry revealed he had felt "isolated" in a World Cup squad where there was a "sickness" after a disastrous campaign in South Africa which will now be the subject of a government enquiry.

The squad returned to France on Thursday following a dismal performance where they mustered a solitary point from three games and gained notoriety for a training ground boycott in protest at the decision by the French Football Federation (FFF) to send home Nicolas Anelka following a bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

Henry told Canal+: "I could have been the older brother but I wasn't anymore. I felt isolated, it doesn't matter who by."

He added: "They didn't talk to me as they used to. Before they talked to me more. But when you don't have credibility in a group any more it becomes difficult."

Henry believes the Anelka controversy was not the reason behind France's exit but rather the rot had already set in.

However, the Barcelona striker insists the squad were always united.

"I don't know whether the Anelka matter was the triggering factor," continued Henry. "There was certainly a sickness.

"But I don't think you can talk of clans. I can tell you that I never saw any fights, I didn't see anyone put any pressure on whoever. Decisions were group ones."

Henry played down the rift between Anelka and Domenech, which occurred during half-time of France's 2-0 defeat to Mexico, insisting the Chelsea striker's outburst was not as vitriolic as has been made out.

"That's not what he said," added Henry. "It's up to him to say what he did say. But all I can say is that those were not Nico's words."

Source: PA