Trap forgives Henry

Italian coach says bitterness has passed

Last updated: 24th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Trap forgives Henry

Henry handballs against Republic

The bitterness has passed and what remains is the taste of the good performance and the regret that we didn't end up in South Africa.

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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni admits he has forgiven Thierry Henry for his handball in their World Cup play-off match.

Ireland were denied a place in this summer's tournament in South Africa after Henry blatantly handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' decisive goal for France in November.

The incident sparked mass outrage from all quarters although Fifa's disciplinary committee have now ruled they have no power to sanction the Barcelona striker.

Trapattoni now admits he has put the events in Paris to bed, and says the bad feeling has passed.

"The bitterness has passed and what remains is the taste of the good performance and the regret that we didn't end up in South Africa," he said on Italian television.

"With the qualifying round we fought, we deserved it.

"But I forgive Henry."

The 70-year-old tactician has a contract with the Republic that runs until 2012, although reports have emerged that he is close to leaving his post.

However, Trapattoni insists that he will remain loyal to his current deal, although conceded other jobs have been offered his way.

"Many national teams are interested," he added. "They asked us 'what are you doing, what aren't you doing?'

"But for now we're remaining loyal to what we signed.

"But in life I always say never say never."

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