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Henry concern over support

Image: Henry: Worried by support

Thierry Henry has admitted his surprise at lack of support from some quarters for his now infamous handball.

Striker stunned by those who have turned their backs

Under-fire striker Thierry Henry has admitted his surprise at a lack of support from some quarters in France and England for his now infamous handball. The Barcelona striker handled the ball twice in the build-up to France's equaliser in their World Cup play-off with Republic of Ireland in Paris, a goal that helped Les Blues secure their place in next summer's finals. While Henry has been backed by the likes of Arsene Wenger and David Beckham, the former Arsenal marksman is concerned by those in a position to quell the uproar have remained silent. The experienced striker has come under pressure from all quarters for his role in the goal, although he admits the furore has died down somewhat and that things are getting easier for him.

Getting better

"It's okay, it's getting better you could say, I'm beginning to digest it a bit better," he told RTL. "The first handball honestly was like an awakening. With the first handball, I didn't even know that it touched me, it's after that I had a bad reflex, on the second. I swear I don't even know the first touched my hand. "I have had many calls from players, coaches, people I had lost touch with, who have supported me who have told me that all this really didn't matter, that this had all gone too far and that I was totally in tune with them. "But people who should have come forward to defend me and perhaps smooth over what is happening in France and especially smooth over what is happening in England, well I did not see anyone. "You know when you think that you will be supported... but there was no support and honestly that really shocked me."

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