Thierry Henry has dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent departure from Portugal’s training camp should affect the way his remarkable career is judged.
The former France and Arsenal forward said the dispute surrounding Ronaldo’s unexpected exit from the Portuguese camp in Denmark was separate from the impact the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had on football.
Speaking on the French radio station RMC’s programme Rothen s’enflamme, Henry said Portugal should deal with its own internal matters.
“They have to solve their problems themselves, because we have our own problems in France,” Henry said, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
But he was unequivocal when asked whether the incident could influence Ronaldo’s standing in the game.
“Do we judge an entire career based on this?” Henry said. “Impossible. When I think of Ronaldo, I will never think about this, ever in my life.”
Henry explained that any criticism he had directed at Ronaldo in the past had been based on specific matches or individual moments, rather than an assessment of his complete career.
“If it was about my mother or father, it would be the same,” he said.
‘What Ronaldo represents is exceptional’
Henry said Ronaldo’s contribution to football was beyond serious debate, placing particular emphasis on the forward’s dedication, personality and sustained desire to improve.
“If we are talking about the legend, there is nothing to say,” Henry said. “What he represents for football is exceptional. We all praised his effort at the World Cup, and his next participation was supposed to be his last. And if it ends this way…”
Speaking strictly from a sporting perspective, Henry said the aspect of Ronaldo’s career that impressed him most was his relationship with the game and his continuing hunger for success.
“What I like to emphasise in Ronaldo’s case is his personality, the way he deals with football, his obsession with the game and with records, and his desire to be the best,” Henry said.
He also highlighted the physical condition Ronaldo had maintained throughout his career, saying the player’s body had become better than it was when he first started playing.
“That is exceptional,” Henry added. “Without that obsession, we would not have known this player. We have experienced exceptional moments with him.”
Henry concluded by stressing his respect for the leading figures in world football, including Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“I have enormous respect for Ronaldo, just as I do for Messi and for all the players who have remained at the top,” he said.
