Former France legend Henry named new head coach of Montreal Impact

WASHINGTON - The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday that the club hired former France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as their new head coach on a two-year deal.

"It's an honor to coach the Montreal Impact and return to MLS," said Henry. "It's a league I know well, in which I had some very nice moments. To be in Montreal, which has an enormous multicultural heritage, it's extraordinary. I've always kept an eye on the club and now I'm here."

After one of the most decorated careers in the history of professional soccer, including four-and-a-half seasons in MLS with the New York Red Bulls, the 42-year-old began his coaching career in the academy of English club Arsenal in February 2015.

In August of 2016, Henry became assistant coach of the Belgian national team and helped the Red Devils advance to the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

In October 2018, he got his first opportunity as a head coach of a club team, replacing Leonardo Jardim at French club Monaco, where he started his professional career as a player. After an unsuccessful three-month spell, he was fired after just 20 matches.

"We are extremely happy to announce the nomination of this legend of the game," said Montreal Impact president and CEO Kevin Gilmore.

"Henry will bring a new energy to our club. He shares our vision to elevate this club and will help us achieve our goals on and off the field. He is a competitor and a leader who has proven himself at the highest level throughout his career. He now brings these qualities with him to Montreal, a place he wants to be."