Thierry Henry on Lionel Messi, THAT Pires penalty, and Arteta's Arsenal | Exclusive Interview

On today's episode of The Rest Is Football, the boys are joined by France and Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry.
Who does Thierry Henry think was better: Wenger of Guardiola? Why did Arsenal fans shout abuse at him in his early days? Why did he have to hide his fear of failure from Martin Keown and Tony Adams?
00:00 - Intro
05:00 - Youth Academies
09:15 - Picking The French Team
10:41 - Thierry Behind Closed Doors
32:51 - Thierry’s Motivation
38:15 - Arsene Wenger & Pep Guardiola
45:25 - Favourite Club To Play For
52:58 - That Season With Barca
57:35 - Playing With Messi
01:08:00 - Micah Playing Against Henry
01:13:43 - Thierry’s Favourite Goal
01:17:00 - Arsenal Today

[@DrWei1111]

Lineker, Shearer, Richards with Henry as a guest? You just know this is going to be world class entertainment 😂👌🏾

[@haimainjauo242]

You can still edit "Richard" out of your otherwise perfectly fine comment. Ruined the whole "world class" premise you had there.

[@Rjj899]

​@@haimainjauo242Micah delivers world class entertainment though

[@animateit4642]

​@@haimainjauo242well... You can also still edit your comment cause the guy said world class entertainment not world class football players cuz Micah is better than those three in terms of entertainment probably the reason why he is on almost every football related show

[@benjamincorbett]

@@haimainjauo242that’s harsh he’s a good personality, and his football knowledge is getting better every day. Clearly working hard on it.

[@danielodonnell3252]

This is one of the most genuine and honest podcasts I've ever seen amongst a group of ex sports stars ❤❤

[@mprsv1]

• Shearer - Premier League 🥅 top goal scorer. • Lineker - 1 of the greatest players of his generation. • Henry - World Cup 🏆 winner. Euro 🏆 winner. Champions League 🏆 winner. • Micah - burst onto the scene! #NeverForget

[@Joker66623]

Lineker - Golden Boot winner in 1986.

[@robertjones8430]

Micah - works out with Kate Abdo ;)

[@Byronthegooner]

Micah Richard's also WE BUY ANY CAR

[@ThatGuyAJ]

x3 times winner, with different top flight teams too!! @@Joker66623

[@mediacenterman8583]

Shearer- Golden Boot winner in Euro 1996

[@strictlygrey]

As somebody who's dad failed them, I found the conversation about fatherhood and what they did for you, really hit me hard. Much respect lads

[@none_the_less]

Do better, should you ever father somebody. Great fathers and mothers make great societies. 💪

[@strictlygrey]

@@none_the_less it's my one goal on life. If I'm ever in the position to have them, it'll be my life to support them in whatever they chose to do. Thank you for the kind words pal

[@heretustay]

@@strictlygreyworld needs more dads like you want to become. all the best 👏

[@benjamincorbett]

@@strictlygrey💪

[@ASHFOUR20TWO]

Man I hear you, struck a chord in me too, mad respect for anyone who takes what hurts as a child and makes it a motivation to be great as an adult.

[@GIBBO4182]

There’s a lot of goals between these guys…and Micah is on here as well! 🤣🤣 I channeled my inner Kate Abdo for this

[@Livemusiceventsuk]

“If you only have one choice then you don’t have a choice” Such simple words but so justified and meaningful. Prestigious podcast guys thank you 🙏🏼

[@Lard2112]

the same thing with "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice"

[@rgamble66]

Never rated a podcast as highly as this one. No bad episodes, great guest appearances and the chemistry between Gary, Alan and Micah is unmatched anywhere else in the podcast world

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Gary Alan & Micah are to football what Clarkson Hammond & May are to Motoring both Trips really are the pinnacle of what they do.

[@kf9926]

Share with you friends and people at work. Not many people know about this, surprised there content hasn’t got more views

[@daftgowk1]

That's what a few decades of experience and a few million quid of SME talent gets you. Top notch

[@kf9926]

@@DanUnited-16 and when this doesn’t get enough views and they stop what then ?

[@kf9926]

@@DanUnited-16 no I don’t get your point ..

[@GingerNinjaTrickster]

Wow! This was amazing. Henry going that vulnerable and honest was Great to see. Love him even more now 💪😁

[@theosantana7750]

Fathers are important in our lives... i only saw my father twice in my life.. still loved him RIP Pops

[@Giri-bp6zj]

Sad to hear that bro. Hope u r well❤

[@theosantana7750]

@@Giri-bp6zj thanks...

[@looseursoul]

❤

[@danielgruic8712]

How can you not like this guy!? So eloquent and seemingly down to earth and chilled with a great sense of humour. He was my favourite player at the time and I am no Arsenal fan.

[@benjamincorbett]

Only people that don’t are the Irish haha

[@ameliawatson2125]

@@benjamincorbettI forgot about that 😂

[@colincampbell4261]

​

[@mr__OK]

Mental health doesn’t pick and choose - king Thierry. Some people think money solves all problems

[@paulsears816]

The Greatest Premier League player of all time.

[@farhanhasan2926]

He was scarily good

[@kentone8]

You're not wrong. Alan and Thierry were great too. 🤪

[@lukasstrifeson677]

"I was trapped between what I know and what I feel" sheesh Thierry a poet too

[@bobbynuttbutter9554]

Jesus, this cut deep, all we ever needed was a hug , acknowledgement or a simple "i love you kiddo" so much strength could be reaped from that. I understand why Thierry has such sad eyes now.

[@sankhanilsaha2728]

The amount of respect Thierry has for Pep, Bergcamp and Messi is insane! Like being the face of EPL and then admitting to new ways of life at Barcelona- winning as a team mattered more than ego or personal legacy! Elite mentality from a Champion player

[@xGibbo1]

My idol, king titi. Best thing the Premier league has ever seen and probably the closest player to R9 with the fear factor in his prime. Truly complete player

[@GamerFlair]

Only guy in premier league history to have practically 1 goal contribution a game (well, of those that had more then a couple of season. Haaland obviously is at more then that right now and there might a couple that only did half a season.) 258 games, 175 goals and 74 assists. 7th highest goal scorer. 13th high assist provider.. but only 253rd for appearances. In my opinion, the best player to ever play in a Premier League at thier prime.

[@yogi2983]

don't forget George weah. a beast in his time

[@benjamincorbett]

@@yogi2983not in the pl. was terrible.

[@xGibbo1]

@@GamerFlair remarkable stats, I strongly believe if Thierry was in today's premier league he'd have even more g/a per game too. I respect haaland but my word he can't do even half the things Henry could, difference between a goal scorer and a pure match winner who creates goals and chances out of nothing by himself

[@Al-ji4gd]

@incorbett He was bloody 35 when he got to the PL. Where was Henry at 35? Playing in the MLS, mate. Prime Weah at Monaco, PSG and Milan was an absolute beast and was better than Henry, and for longer, too.

[@williamsamuel7085]

That moment when he spoke about scoring as a fan. That right there is football.

[@annabelle9230]

Thierry Henry has absolutely floored me ❤️ Love the podcast already, but this episode is the best to date. What a genuine and candid insight. Remarkable person and player. Thank-you, Thierry 👏 and the usual, brilliant bunch Gary, Meeks and Alan 👏

[@bartygoober]

Could and would listen to Thierry all day - thanks for the brilliant episode lads!

[@sherrymorrison2063]

Gentlemen, you have outdone yourselves. This was so lovely. Thierry's vulnerability and his candid truth telling, all gold! Thank you all!!

[@RasT108]

It was just the black guys trying to make the white guys cry.

[@hitchompy]

I was at the game where he scored against Leeds, just unbelievable joy around the stadium. Henry was the happiest guy in the Emirates, getting to score again for the club he supports.

[@CushdelaCush]

What a guy, what a player what a podcast, legends the lot of you.

[@hyperspeed101]

‘Game recognises game’, for one of the greatest players to have ever graced the premier league to show that level of respect not only to his team mates but also his rivals show a level of class! Would love to see him on a future episode where he joins you answering questions from the fans

[@davexilly]

I tell my son I love him and i'm proud of him every single day, it's so important.

[@sslaia]

Wow... one word crosses my mind while listening to Thierry: philospher. He is not only a former footballer but also a philosopher.

[@hartshaped]

I’m a Newcastle fan and I do actually miss watching Henry in the Premier League, there’s no-one like him in the league that plays football the way he did

[@ambrosethiik8216]

I love the fact, the older guys rib Micah (all in good fun) and as the youngster he takes it with such humility & GSOH. Also Gary talking about his Dad touched differently. 😢 THE Best football podcast bar none. Purely football, by football legends. Superb.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Meeks is like the younger brother. It's actually quite endearing to see him embrace the banter. A prematurely ended career, but is now living his best life. Good luck to him. Top lad!

[@sauravMAitra96]

They all like him that's why he's doing all these shows with the big names.

[@bradd2k2]

The thing about Micah richards is when he first started playing he use to look angry as fuck he was a beast like he wanted to take some ones head off 🤣🤣 I was shocked seeing his personality on sky

[@gavinhirst3136]

The King ❤️🤍👑 Thierry was the reason I fell in live with football

[@SimeonBird-kq3gz]

This has rapidly become my favourite podcast loved this episode

[@user-om2fy1rq6q]

How crazy is it that Thierry puts Denis Bergkamp and Messi on the same level...goes to show how gifted Bergkamp was, truly a special player, world class magician.

[@Deffa7]

The fact that Thierry spoke about the inner child means that he has really looked into and done the work when it comes to mental health

[@antonpollard2693]

The more I hear him speak the more I think Henry should be an ambassador for World Football period!! Such an insightful and brilliant person!! who is so so humble. He walks like Jesus in the Football world!!!!!

[@ahhu.]

3 football legends and the funniest pundit

[@ahhu.]

Only joking, they are all elite tbf.

[@GravelordWrust]

To me, personally, Thierry Henry is the greatest footballer of all time. There are obviously other players who people consider objectively the greatest, like Messi and Ronaldo, etc., but when I was a teenager, watching Thierry Henry absolutely destroy the Premier League wasn't just a joy, it was an honour. I idolised Henry so much, that even as a Liverpool fan, I have his Arsenal shirt on my wall at home. It's great to be getting to know his mentality and personality better through podcasts and TV. Also, it's great that we have you three (Al, Gary, Micah) who bring so much joy and passion and laughter to people. Keep going, guys. You're doing one Hell of a job.

[@ItsaColdWorl]

Guys no more likes. It’s on 14, his shirt nr 😂

[@strictlygrey]

The lad is pure class.

[@mezza.7]

I know not many will read this but hey. I can so relate to the Dad talk… when I was younger I was a well sort after lad to the local football teams, I was my teams and the leagues top scorer every year etc and I got approached by Derby County, Nottingham Forest and Notts County. In my head I wasn’t good enough even though looking back now, of course I was good enough but I turned them down. I needed my dad to push me and tell me I was good enough but I never had that as my parents split up when I was 5 years old and it was just me, my brother and my mum. I’m now 38 and I still second guess myself if I’m good enough with certain things.

[@cjwiemer7453]

Hey man sorry to hear that, and as a person that deals with depression/self confidence issues when it comes to confidence no matter what someone is saying to us you don’t believe them or try to down talk the nice thing they are saying. But the most important thing is that ur aware of the issue, it gives you a reason to maybe think that when ur second guessing something that you really are good enough. While it’s too late now to help you as a player the fact that you now recognize that you WERE good enough is a huge step forwards. Also think now how ur able to talk about it even that’s also another step forwards! For me personally Little wins/Steps forward really seem to help build me up. Lastly just remember that you’d be surprised how many ppl are also dealing with the same problems. 3 of the 4 guys on the pod had very similar issues, so you’re not so alone In the feelings that you deal with and even just talking about it may help someone. Thanks for sharing !

[@mezza.7]

@@cjwiemer7453 Really appreciate it mate 👍🏼 Thank you.

[@KevSixFeet]

So excited for this. Can't wait to hear from King Henry

[@nxt1990]

53:10 I fully understand what Henry meant by Pep making him enjoy pressing. I had a manager once who made us understand the timing of pressing as a team too. Once the team was in sync and we recovered the ball it almost felt as good as a goal. Making your opponent stress out when they're looking for solutions really feels rewarding. We went almost went unbeaten in our 2nd season, and didn't win the league by 2 points. On a side note, that's also why I'm not quick to judge Ten Hag at United, because I remember it took us a while to understand and develop tactically. At first it's endless repetition with failures in between but after a while it becomes second nature and you start winning.

[@ojomythgimeht]

So many things to love about this show - Thierry is such an engaging and thoughtful man - he's going to be a great coach. And well done to the rest of you for letting him riff! But I think my favourite thing is his Englishisms...."early doors", "to be fair", "all the best"...never fails to make me smile,

[@kurt9034]

Growing up in Eastern Canada, the pure class and skill of Henry made me love "soccer" as we call it 😅 and a lifelong gunner!

[@latsword3513]

There is a skill to interviewing that makes it just look like guys talking. Gary has mastered this and the inter-play with the 3 of them is just magical. Micah is hilarious and learning his craft from all the different personalities he works with. The banter is top class and Shearer is the perfect foil for the 2

[@ZeroFX1]

King Henry, what a guest to an already amazing podcast. Good stuff lads.

[@EmmanuleGoldstone]

Wonderful work gentleman. 3 Legends of the game and the loveliest bloke in Micah. Wishes of health,and love to you all from South Africa. Truly inspirational stuff.

[@g-e9513]

What an episode, couldn’t have got a better guest, my favourite ever footballer. Love the podcast, keep it up

[@imsupongen8347]

One word..'RESPECT'

[@mightymo6167]

Such a great talker Thierry. Could listen to him all day

[@mansnotbot4160]

Ah, man. This was so good. I wasn't expecting Thierry to be so reflective, introspective, and (I know this is a bit of a cringe word) vulnerable. Also, Gary Linekar is such a fantastic interviewer. I'd love to see you interview more big names like this.

[@khurmiful]

His analysis about Pep is much more sensible than what Zalatan said the other day in an interview. I guess Theiry is a deeper thinker.

[@kevansangster]

Wow! What an episode, what a guy. Truly inspirational - just sent this to my son..

[@WillHest]

Man I love how humble Thierry comes across. Not just with his talent but how he's able to articulate his struggles to the point he knew the validation needed would never come when he needed it. This coming from a rival fan who he caused a lot of pain.

[@skalhoe]

only 25 min in and my god I have so much more respect for Henry then I ever espected

[@DavidLucian]

Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho are by far my favorite living football legends, they are the reason I fell in love with football in the first place, they are part of my childhood... Henry should have won at least one or two ballon d'or in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, he was so unique and underrated back then, he was almost unstoppable and genuinely a very good all-rounder authentic player. ☯️✌️

[@sarcasticharles]

Finally. Micah's always happy to see Henry. You can tell how much he idolises him 😂

[@gangstertomato3359]

This is definitely my favourite podcast by far amazing dynamic with you guys

[@ChemiiOneLegacy]

When people share good news about their life others don't necessarily respond positively but it's unbelievable how little genuine encouragement many people need and tragic how they've had none. No-one ever said it to them and meant it for a good part of their lives, if ever. I find that to be so sad. For sure struggle is an important part of character building but to hear the best of the best say it would have helped them, you can see it's a vital part of the process for those who might lose faith a little easier.

[@mickhoult]

Possibly one of the best podcasts I've seen.. Love Thierrys passion , knowledge and fluency of the game and his honesty and love FOR the game.. A TRUE LEGEND .

[@EnergizerBat1]

Honestly one of the best football podcast episodes i have heard. Never knew Henry went though those issues. Great all round.

[@user-wk9dq9pj5f]

A generation of a striker there isn’t striker that comes close to him in todays game he had absolutely everything every rival loved him

[@StevoMusicManUK]

A very honest, frank conversation. I admired him as a player (from afar) but now I admire him as a person too.

[@prabing]

Man united fan from Nepal since 1992 but this Henry guy was an absolute joy to watch!! Gary made me an England fan '86-90, my favourite player ever. loved watching Alan do his magic in '96. Never cared about Micah in his playing days but he is indeed a treasure as a Pundit!!! More power to you guys!!

[@ramahassan3264]

i like how henry talks abt football in details

[@65sneaky]

What a quest, footballer and all round human TH is. That was a fantastic watch. You 3 are brilliant, thanks guys #NUFC

[@caps8723]

Henry has such a deep soul, how he sees the game is so unique ❤

[@dwi918mid]

Thank you for making my weekend awesome with this episode 😊

[@robbie.j7639]

What a special episode. Just when I thought these videos couldn't get better you pull out your Ace. Amazing to see 4 players from different clubs show so much love and respect for each other while injecting humour, intelligence and giving everyone pause for thought not just about football but in life as well.

[@GiverJene]

What a short 1hr and half. One of the best football convos i have ever heard . This should win awards❤ proud of y’all

[@aidanturner2430]

This is by far one of the best podcasts I have listened to! This was special - Thank you for this #TheRestisFootball

[@JanHejn]

I love Thierry so much he is my favorite player - when he scored against Leeds I cried so much and I almost do everytime I see it. It was one of the greatest moments for Arsenal and Thierry fan.

[@bruce_leon1044]

Absolutely loved this! Thank you all for such a great podcast ❤

[@Shezation]

Podcasts simply do not get better than this. Has been coming for a while with this bunch, the guys will find it hard to top this one but I'll watch every episode regardless, absolutely incredible content. It's so much more genuine and authentic than other podcasts of a similar nature doing the rounds, and long may it live. Keep it up lads.

[@Slaphappy1975]

Interesting. I just listened to a podcast with Kevin Prince Boateng and he also described Messi's ability as "not normal".

[@poolie-mag8282]

Probably the most gifted and exciting player to never win the balon D'or the most graceful player ive ever watched

[@stuartbrunning]

Brilliantl interview- really enjoyed the openness and honesty, thanks for sharing about your dad’s. Loved it all!

[@lozpyle]

I love hearing these gents speak - such a great balance between deep chats, humour and insightfulness

[@linety007]

amazing episode , i end of the episode i have more respect and admiration for thierry henry i've had before . loved his openness to talk how deep his answers were about his emotion and how he see life and football ofc . i hope that you will have him again as guest , clearly he has more to say and lessons to teach us in future podcasts

[@mathewpt4478]

Great podcast Three Top Guys legends of The Game Thank you guys ❤❤

[@rohitkulkarni9115]

This is such a brilliant conversation. I absolutely love this podcast also because of so many wonderful stories outside the field and so on..great!

[@markwilliamson660]

This is some seriously moving content by the way, phenomenal guys ❤

[@raplita4417]

Great interview! Absolutely love to see the other aspects of football as well. Just incredible work love the vibes

[@nthoj6510]

Heartfelt interview- levels man levels all of yiu! Keep these coming! I LOVE these interviews❤❤❤❤

[@mrambition7059]

This is absolutely fascinating I’m glued to the screen this is definitely my favourite podcast

[@abdiadenEST86]

Thierry! What a guy! What a player. Thank you for all the moments you gave me. Season ticket holder between 04-06. Untouchable. Unbelievable. Thank you. The FA Cup goal against Leeds was another moment I just had to and was so glad I got a ticket for! I remember as the ball dropped to you in your favoured in and around the left hand side of the box, it felt like the whole stadium gasped at the exact same time. I close me eyes right now and I can still see it! Thank you. #priceless Great pod lads! Thanks!

[@andrewiveson8629]

Wow.. what inspired insights into a man's life and career 👍👍 great talking from Henry.

[@GaryKidd]

An absolute legend. Great channel guys and the best there is right now.

[@Rdon_Ranger]

Love hearing this guy speak. The way he spoke about that goal at Leeds was amazing. I'll always remember that goal, the fact he appreciates it as much as us fans makes it just that extra bit special! This is the definition of a legend! ❤

[@salfetka]

Yeah baby what a podcast. Can't wait to watch it till the end

[@lomas2284]

Thank you for this guys 🙏

[@DYL2020]

Great episode, been very excited for this one keep up the good work🙏

[@jeremywilliams5107]

Henry makes the "Zidane" point - the big guys, the big egos don't listen. Not that Zidane was, but that's why he was successful at Real as manager - not even Ronaldo could disrespect him. That is also why Henry was called in to help Martinez at Belgium, and why he is the choice for France U21 over Zidane - not just performance as a player, but doing the thinking, the work and staying in hotels like the one he did the podcast from. Compare and contrast with Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard as managers.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Same with Pep, Jose & Ferguson. They discarded elite talent and did not lose a wink of sleep and those decisions were validated because they wanted the team success that subsequently came. You have to be ruthless

[@explorewithoddrid7401]

This is brilliant, the way the lads open up about their families and backgrounds is top notch, thank you for being so open and sharing

[@TheZoro72]

Loved every second, thank you all!

[@jakneeeee4813]

been waiting for a week, Finally!

[@nathantreveil-sg6mn]

Absolutely sensational feel like your getting to know the real person not just the player smashing lads keep up the good work

[@ASHFOUR20TWO]

This is the best episode yet! Even as a Man United fan I adore Thierry Henry, he was sniper as a player and off the field he is such a classy and respectful character.

[@clliip]

The podcast was out of this world, welled.up a few times. Thanks guys, really appreciate it

[@graemecorbett6888]

I honestly can't say enough about how brilliant this conversation was, TH was so honest, and the lads so engaged, absolutely brilliant. Love this podcast.

[@pmc7202]

The best one yet lads ! Fantastic

[@19enginejj37]

Best one so far!

[@ecalalo]

Took me the whole morning to listen to this because I had to go back and relisten a lot of stuff. GREAT EPISODE! PS: I don't have a lot of dreams to achieve right now, I just love seeing others achieve theirs... I've got to say i'm so happy for Micah living his life like this. The guy is an Arsenal fan and grew up idolizing Thierry. Now he gets to work with him and be his friend. They share thoughts, banter and talk about their personal lives. The great thing is Thierry is such an intelligent and good person, just ask the right question and listen to him. Couldn't be happier for Big Meeks (AND for myself! What an episode I got to watch!!)

[@DavidMeggers]

I watched the whole interview and was deeply disappointed when it ended, wow! Brilliant interview, thank you. More of the same if possible.

[@kennymiller7]

I could sit and listen to Henry all day what a man! Love this podcast lads