Thierry Henry steps down as CF Montreal coach for personal reasons

Arsenal and New York Red Bulls legend Thierry Henry confirmed on Thursday that he has stepped down as head coach of Major League Soccer side CF Montreal for personal reasons. 

"The last year has been an extremely difficult one for me personally," Henry said in the prepared statement. "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 take the decision to return to London and leave CF Montréal. 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."

Henry accepted the job in November 2019 and guided Montreal to the MLS playoffs and CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. As Joe Prince-Wright noted for NBC Sports, the 43-year-old has been linked with Championship club Bournemouth. Bournemouth, currently seventh in the league table, have Jonathan Woodgate serving as caretaker boss until the end of the season. 

"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," Montreal sporting director Olivier Renard added. "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. We wanted to elevate this club and we are on the right track. The process of finding a new head coach is already underway and I will be looking for someone who is aligned with the philosophy we have implemented."

The MLS regular season gets underway on April 17.