Thierry Henry Quits as Manager of MLS Side Montreal Impact

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry has resigned from his job as manager of Montreal Impact in Canada, stating that the role was having too much impact on his family.

The Arsenal legend took charge of the MLS club ahead of the 2020 season but stated that the coronavirus pandemic has made it impossible to continue. He added that he will be moving back to London.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to take this decision,’ Henry said in a club statement.

‘The last year has been an extremely difficult one for me personally. Due to the worldwide pandemic, I was unable to see my children. Unfortunately due to the ongoing restrictions and the fact that we will have to relocate to the US again for several months will be no different.

‘The separation is too much of a strain for me and my kids. Therefore, it is with much sadness that I must make the decision to return to London and leave CF Montreal.  ‘I would like to thank the fans, players and all the staff of this Club that have made me feel so welcome.

‘I would also like to thank Kevin Gilmore, Olivier Renard, and of course Joey and all of the Saputo family for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

‘We had an impossible year together and to make the playoffs with this group of people is an experience that I will never forget. Thank you all for being there on this journey and I wish you all the success for the future.’

The club’s sporting director admitted his regret at seeing the exit of the 43-year-old.

‘Thierry’s departure is unfortunate and premature because this was very promising, but he informed me of his desire to be back with his family because the situation was and remains very difficult for both him and his family,’ Olivier Renard said.

‘I want to thank him, first on a human level because he led the players by example last year by being away from his family, but also from a sporting level and for what we have built together since his arrival.’

Henry was recently linked with taking over at Championship side Bournemouth following the sacking of Jason Tindall. But missed out to caretaker manager Jonathan Woodgate, who was named as interim boss until the end of the season after guiding the club to three wins in their first five games.