Whether France claim their first Olympic soccer title since 1984 or not, their run to the final against Spain will still be considered a success, coach Thierry Henry said on Thursday.
Having struggled to assemble a squad after more than a dozen of his demands for players were turned down by several clubs, Henry believes the dream has already come true.
โThis event is special because (in our sport) you donโt think about finishing second or third, or winning a medal. So our story is a success โ letโs make it better,โ Henry said after France made sure they would at least secure silver today.
Henry, whose coaching career got off to a sluggish start, can rely on a team who have huge motivation, citing London-born Michael Olise.
โLetโs forget about the game and about what he can do. What matters to me is his desire to play for France. It gives me goose bumps. He could have gone to the Euros with England and he chose to play for France,โ Henry said.
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All eyes have been on the former Arsenal and France player, a world and European champion with Les Bleus who could add more silverware to his trophy cabinet.
That is not what matters most to Henry, who had an emotional moment during hisย ย press conference.
โDid I ever think I would be part of an Olympic team? Never. Iโll tell you why itโs different for me,โ he said. โI was never with my family watching me performing. When I say performing, you understand what I mean, obviously Iโm not performing on the field anymore.
โBut I never had my kids at a stadium looking at me with my team, being an โactorโ, because when I had my kids I was almost at the end of my career. Maybe thatโs what was missing,โ Henry added.
Henry is now hoping France will feel more of the Olympic vibe as they will play their first game in Paris since the tournament started.
โWeโre now realising more what is happening now that we are in Paris,โ he said.