"It will make headlines!" - Thierry Henry responds to question on whether he would want to become Arsenal manager

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has addressed the possibility of succeeding Mikel Arteta as the club's manager. The Frenchman, while acknowledging that the news would make headlines all over the footballing world, remained coy on the matter.

Henry insists that he does not want to disturb Arteta as an answer on this subject would lead to questions being hurled at the Spanish boss in press conferences. The retired France international said on The Rest is Football podcast (as quoted by Football.london):

"It will make headlines! One time, I was stupid enough to say it’s the dream of any fan. They said Thierry Henry wants to be manager of Arsenal."

When asked once again by former Manchester City star and co-host Micah Richards about a potential return to the Emirates, Henry said:

"It’s very difficult for me to say that because when I say something about Arsenal, it goes places. I have mad respect for Mikel. He’s done extremely well in the last two years."

The former Arsenal forward added:

"I have realized when it comes to talking about coaching, talking about Arsenal… I have too much respect for the overall situation. Otherwise, Mikel will be asked, ‘Thierry Henry said…’ – you don’t need this type of question in a press conference. We don’t need to do that!"

Henry began his managerial career as the Belgium national team's assistant head coach in 2016. He then went on to complete spells at his former club AS Monaco and MLS side CF Montreal before returning to Belgium as assistant manager. The former Arsenal forward is currently managing France's Under 21 team.

"We are in a way better place" - Arsenal icon Thierry Henry speaks on Mikel Arteta's recent success at the club

Arsenal endured a long period of struggle as they failed to recover the dominant form they had under legendary manager Arsene Wenger. Prior to this season, the Gunners did not feature in the UEFA Champions League for six years.

Their last appearance in the tournament was a brutal knockout by Bayern Munich, who defeated the Gunners 10-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16.

Arteta has now executed a resurgence at the Emirates as Arsenal rivaled Manchester City in the Premier League title race last season. While they did fall short, the Gunners definitely had some great takeaways from the campaign, including European football this term.

Henry spoke about his former club's recent success and said on the aforementioned podcast (via the Daily Mail):

"We are in a way better place than we were before. I actually see myself in the team now - as a fan, I'm not talking as a player. I see a team fighting, making mistakes which can happen."

"Five years ago, I couldn't relate to the team, I just couldn't. I was going to the game because I had to not because I wanted to. Just because I was an Arsenal fan not because I wanted to see them play. But now I can see what they're about."