NEW YORK: Thierry Henry said Thursday he is retiring from the French national team.
The 32-year-old forward announced his decision during an interview at the offices of The Associated Press before a news conference to discuss his signing with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.
"I always want to be here 100 percent and fully committed to this cause and the organization," Henry said.
Henry had 51 goals in 123 international appearances. He made his debut Oct. 11, 1997, in a 2-1 win over South Africa. His finale was June 22 against Bafana Bafana, when he was introduced as a 55th minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat that condemned France to a first-round exit from the World Cup.
"That was my last game, against South Africa," he said.
"Ironically, it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa." Henry said he had made up his mind to retire before the World Cup.
"I couldn't announce it before because that's the not type of thing you announce before a World Cup," he said.