Rory Delap: 'Thierry Henry handball not forgotten'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 16 December 2014

Rory Delap says that Thierry Henry's handball against the Republic of Ireland for France in 2009 spoils the legacy of great football from his career.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Rory Delap has said that there is still a bad feeling in the country regarding Thierry Henry's handball against them for France in 2009.

The 37-year-old, who announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, helped to deny Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup when he handled the ball in the build-up to the winning goal that sent the French through from their playoff tie.

Delap, who was part of that Ireland squad, admits that while Henry was a great player, the manner of the goal still rankles with some Irish fans.

"There are a few greats who spoil that with what they do. I'm sure he regrets that," Delap told BBC Radio 5 live.

"There is still a lot of feeling back home. The fact that people stopped buying Henry hoovers shows how far it went and how horrible a thing it was to happen to the country.

"You don't mind getting beat by greatness - and that is what he had - but it is disappointing that people remember that over all the great things he did. But that will in the top players is to win at all costs and sometimes you have to take the bad with the good."

Henry played for Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls during his career.