Thierry Henry has released a statement addressing the backlash he faced following jokes made at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, urging critics to relax.
The former Arsenal forward co-hosted the awards ceremony on Monday alongside Kate Scott, where Harry Kane claimed the coveted prize. However, the evening proved turbulent for the 49-year-old after he faced criticism for suggesting that Lamine Yamal had no desire to receive the Kopa Trophy for the world's best young player.
Henry Clarifies Yamal Comments
Henry took to Instagram to clarify his remarks, saying: "My people, this is Thierry once again. I've been seeing a lot of people talking about the Ballon d'Or night, so I want to clarify some stuff, what people got really excited for actually nothing."
"For Lamine Yamal, I wasn't checking his ego at all. I just thought that, as the third time that he's winning that trophy, I just asked him if that's the one that he really wanted."
"I am a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn't checking his ego whatsoever. That you didn't like the joke, I can understand, but please don't do that. He's one of the players that I will pay to watch. I love him."
Addressing Kate Scott Joke
Henry also addressed a quip he made regarding co-host Scott, where he playfully highlighted her pronunciation of Socrates. He made clear that the remark was included in the prepared script beforehand.
"Kate was with me on that joke," Henry added. "And you can ask Kate, by the way. She did it on purpose, to say Socrates. And I had to say Socrates [different pronunciation]."
"Again, that you didn't like the joke, I understand. But please stop saying that I disrespect Kate. I will never do that. And you can ask her people, she was in on the joke. She said Socrates on purpose. So please, stop inventing stories."
Praise for Harry Kane
Henry also addressed comments about supporting Kylian Mbappe over Kane, referencing a prior exchange after a Bayern Munich versus Arsenal game.
"So I told him the other day that although I'm French, I was always going to back up and support my fellow countryman," Henry said.
"I just said to him [Kane], 'You are a worthy winner. You deserve it. You are the example of what I always call: work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent'. I said, 'You are a worthy winner. Well done, Harry Kane'. And I call him Sir Harry Kane since the World Cup."
Henry concluded: "So please, people out there. Relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal. And I didn't disrespect Kate. She was in on the joke with me. Have a good night, see you soon."
