Domenech: Henry deserves prize
Raymond Domenech believes Thierry Henry is deserving of the Ballon d'Or award.
Thierry Henry, not Fabio Cannavaro, should be named both European and World Player of the Year according to the Frenchman's national coach Raymond Domenech.The Arsenal skipper reached both the UEFA Champions League and World Cup finals over the past 12 months, without success, but looks set to miss out once again at the end of year galas celebrating individual achievement.
World Cup winning captain Cannavaro is widely expected to pick up the Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the fourth Italian to do so, whilst Henry also looks like missing out on the Fifa award for the globe's best performer.
Despite having been named Footballer of the Year in England for three of the past four seasons, Henry has never been able to mirror his domestic accolades on a wider stage, with two second place finishes in the World award and a runners-up place in the European list in 2003 the limit of his achievements.
Now Les Bleus boss Domenech has stated his disbelief that The Gunners' all-time record goalscorer will be snubbed once again, whilst playing down the claims of Cannavaro despite his achievements over the summer.
"For me, Thierry Henry deserves all the 2006 individual awards," Domenech told AFP.
"Without a doubt, if the title is given regarding all the season, Thierry Henry can't miss it.
"He has played the Champions League final with Arsenal and the World Cup final showing great performances.
"Regarding this I can't explain why someone else could win.
"I am objective, he is French, brilliant, how can I explain it more.
"People have told me it will be Cannavaro because he is Italy's captain.
"Italy have already won a cup, but saying Cannavaro deserves the title of footballer of the year₻
"He is talented and skilled, but other players deserve much more than him, even Italians."
