Midfielder and former captain of the France team, Amandine Henry (109 caps, 14 goals) announced on Sunday on her Instagram account that she was retiring from international duty at the age of 35. “I had the immense honor of wearing this jersey, the pride of defending our colors with fervor and the happiness of sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates! »writes the one who participated in the Paris Olympic Games this summer with her country, eliminated in the quarter-finals by Brazil (0-1). “After so many years of passion, challenges and unforgettable memories, it is time for me to turn the page! »adds the Northerner, whose record with the Bleues will remain empty of titles.
Henry “can leave the France team with a legitimate feeling of pride”reacted the new women’s coach, Laurent Bonadéi, on the Federation (FFF) website. “She has spent twenty years in the selection since her debut in U17, in 2004. She has experienced a lot of emotion with the France team. Everything wasn’t always easy but she never gave up. Having worked with her over the last two years, I can attest to her involvement and professionalism. On behalf of the entire French team staff, I wanted to thank her and say a big congratulations. I have deep respect for Amandine, one of the most appreciated players. I wish her to be fulfilled in her new life and for the rest of her career in Mexico. » The Marseille technician, who is due to announce on Thursday October 17 the list of girls scheduled to participate in two friendly matches against Jamaica (25th) and Switzerland (29th), was counting on the executives, including the Lille player.
Excluded from the national team for three years by the then coach, Corinne Diacre, whose methods she had criticized
“So many memories shared during all these years together. Congratulations on your career in blue », Posted on Instagram the attacker Eugénie Le Sommer, 35 years old, who belongs to the same generation. “Thank you Amandine for everything you have brought to women’s football and for inspiring so many young players! Good luck in your next challenges! »wrote on the social network X (formerly Twitter) the Minister of Sports, Gil Avérous.
Henry had been a substitute most of the time during the Olympic tournament, except against New Zealand (2-1 victory), even wearing the armband as she had worn from 2014 to 2020. Before being excluded from the national team for three years by the then coach, Corinne Diacre, whose methods she had criticized. Recalled by her successor, Hervé Renard, in the spring of 2023, she would miss the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to injury, then return to the group in the fall of the same year for the Nations League.
