Thierry Henry vows not to rush into becoming Arsenal manager

Former striker admits it would be 'a dream' to take charge at the Emirates in the future

Thierry Henry (Getty)

Thierry Henry has admitted he wants to become Arsenal manager, although he does not expect it to happen soon as first he must learn the trade.

The former Gunners' striker announced his retirement yesterday, bringing an end to an impressive career that included spells with Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and finally New York Red Bulls.

The Frenchman revealed he is joining Sky Sports, where he will work as a pundit and ambassador. Yet a full-time return to football as a manager, and more specifically at the Emirates, is what the 39-year-old covets.

“That would be a dream come true," he said when asked about becoming Arsenal manager, but added: "But that’s not how it works."

In an interview with The Telegraph, Henry explained he feels he must take his time and learn how to become a manager first.

“You have to prove yourself first, you have to learn first. You need to be able to understand what it is to be a manager.

“Can you teach, can you be patient? All these problems. People think they are all managers in their own way, but it’s not that easy."

Thierry Henry is presented as an Arsenal player alongside Arsene Wenger in 1999 (Getty Images)

Henry plans to take his coaching badges, something he expects he will do with support from Arsenal. One day he hopes to be able to repay the club at which he is the record goalscorer.

"Everybody knows I would love to go back to Arsenal in some capacity. But I need to be equipped to go back," he said.

It is likely Henry will model himself on Arsene Wenger with whom he has a close bond. The current Arsenal manager is known as The Professor, but Henry's outlook could quickly see him dubbed The Teacher if he makes it to the Emirates dug-out.

“Hard work is all I know. It comes from my dad and the guys I played with when I arrived in the national team. Zidane, Djorkaeff, Thuram, Desailly, Petit, Barthez, that’s how they were and that’s what they taught me. So I took it on board because you can only be the reflection of your education. That’s the way I was educated, so that’s what I’m going to try to pass on.”