Midfielder and former captain of the French team, Amandine Henry (109 caps, 14 goals) announced on Sunday on her Instagram account that she is retiring from international duty at the age of 35. “I had the immense honor of wearing this jersey, the pride of defending our colors with fervor and the joy of sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates! »writes the one who participated in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer with his country, which was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Brazil (0-1). “After so many years of passion, challenges and unforgettable memories, it’s time for me to turn the page! »adds the Norwegian, whose record with the Bleues remains devoid of titles.
Henrik “can leave the France team with a legitimate sense of pride”responded the new women’s coach, Laurent Bonadéi, on the Federation’s (FFF) website. “She has spent twenty years in the selection since her debut in U17, in 2004. She has experienced many emotions with the French team. Everything wasn’t always easy, but she never gave up. Having worked with her for the past two years, I can attest to her commitment and professionalism. On behalf of the entire staff of the French team, I would like to thank her and say a big congratulations. I have deep respect for Amandine, one of the most valued players. I wish her to be fulfilled in her new life and the rest of her career in Mexico. » The Marseille technician, who will announce on Thursday, October 17, the list of girls who will take part in two friendlies against Jamaica (25th) and Switzerland (29th), counted on the leaders, including the Lille player.
“So many memories shared through all these years together. Congratulations on your career in blue », Wrote on Instagram the striker Eugénie Le Sommer, 35, who belongs to the same generation. “Thank you Amandine for all you have brought to women’s football and for inspiring so many young players! Good luck with your next challenges!”wrote the sports minister Gil Avérous on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Henry had been a substitute for most of the Olympic tournament, except against New Zealand (2-1 win), even wearing the armband she had worn from 2014 to 2020. Before being banned from the national team for three years by then coach, Corinne Diacre, whose methods she had criticized. Recalled by her successor, Hervé Renard, in the spring of 2023, she would miss the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to injury, then return to the group in the autumn of that year for the Nations League.