Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has paid tribute to Gerard Houllier, who he has described as ‘more than just a coach’ and a ‘mentor’ during his time with France.
The former Liverpool boss was in charge of Les Bleus at various levels between 1988 and 1997 and was responsible for handing the forward the armband for the U17s, U18s and U19s, before captaining the senior team.
Taking to Twitter the morning after his former boss’ passing, Henry said that it’s a big blow for French football to lose such a knowledgeable and helpful man.
https://twitter.com/ThierryHenry/status/1338736393720360962
https://twitter.com/ThierryHenry/status/1338736601095090178
There is no doubt about the impact Houllier had on world football, with everyone from Jesse Marsch to Sadio Mane publicly paying their respects to the Frenchman.
Gerard spent six years at Anfield winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup (x2) along the way, but remained a part of the Liverpool family throughout his later career.
In 2003, the Frenchman was awarded an OBE for his ‘outstanding contribution to British football’ ahead of his final year as manager of the Reds, before a certain Rafa Benitez would carry on his rebuild.