Robert Pires says Thierry Henry could manage Arsenal

Robert Pires believes Thierry Henry could manage Arsenal at some point, but insists former Gunners Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp could also fill Arsene Wenger’s shoes when the 65-year-old steps down.

Henry called time on his four-and-a-half-year stint with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls last month and is now considering his next career move.

I think for the future he (Henry) has a good profile to be (the head) coach at Arsenal one day.

Earlier this week, Arsenal boss Wenger said Henry will certainly return to the club in some capacity in the future and Pires believes his former team-mate could slot into a coaching position.

“I think Thierry would make a good coach but I don’t know what he will do next,” Pires told Sky Sports News HQ.

“I’m not sure whether to say that he is playing, or that he was playing, but I think for the future he has a good profile to be (the head) coach at Arsenal one day.

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“But the same could be said of Patrick Vieira or Dennis Bergkamp. I think everything is possible for that group of Arsenal players.”

Wenger and ex-France internationals Zinedine Zidane and Emmanuel Petit are among those who have publicly stated their desire to see Henry make a farewell international appearance.

France welcome Brazil to the Stade de France early next year and FC Goa midfielder Pires admits he would also like to see Henry play for Les Bleus one last time.

“I think it’s a great idea because he scored a lot of goals for France,” Pires said.

“He’s a great player so maybe Didier Deschamps will call him up for the friendly game against Brazil in Paris.

“It would be an emotional occasion and a very nice occasion and I think it’s a great idea.”

Watch Arsenal in action on Tuesday night as they travel to Galatasaray in the Champions League. Live coverage begins on Sky Sports 5 HD at 7pm.