Thierry Henry Appointed Belgium Assistant Coach: Latest Details and Reaction

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has been named as an assistant coach to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

Martinez announced his first squad since taking on the job on Friday. In addition, the team’s executive director of sports, Chris Van Puyvelde, confirmed a surprise appointment to the coaching staff, per the team’s official Twitter feed:

Since retiring from the game in 2014, Henry has been part of Sky Sports' punditry team. According to Het Laatste Nieuws' Kristof Terreur, it's a role he'll continue with despite the extra commitments he will take on with Belgium.

Henry took to social media to express his excitement at getting started with the Belgium squad:

Martinez, who was a shock appointment by the Red Devils following his testing spell at Everton, spoke about what he feels Henry will bring to the setup:

The Frenchman joins with a massive reputation, as he is considered as one of the finest footballers of his generation.

Henry enjoyed eight remarkable campaigns at Arsenal, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, winning the Premier League twice and the FA Cup on a further three occasions. The forward then moved to Barcelona, where he was part of the club’s historic treble-winning side under Pep Guardiola in 2009.

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He briefly worked as a coach with the Gunners, although according to Hamish Mackay of the Daily Mirror, he departed when manager Arsene Wenger asked him to make a decision on working at the club or in punditry.

Now with Belgium, you can bet Henry will be seeking to pass on some of his attacking wisdom to the clutch of dangerous forwards available to Martinez.

Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph noted a few members of the Red Devils squad who will benefit from his influence:

Additionally, Henry will bring something Belgium and Martinez lack: a steely winning mentality. Not only did the forward play the game in a graceful way, he’s a multiple champion and a player who stood up to be counted at crucial points in vital matches.

For all the talent in the Belgium squad, that edge is something that’s been scarce during their last two appearances at major tournaments.

With that in mind, Henry must be considered a coup for the national setup and potentially a hugely positive influence for Martinez to lean on.