This Tuesday, May 27, on the lawn of Father-deschamps, Thierry Henry lived an evening that he will not forget anytime soon. Invited to participate in the jubilee of his friend Djibril Cissé, the 1998 world champion was warmly ovationed by the Auxerrois public. Unexpected recognition for the one whose last years in blue have left a bitter taste among some, notably since the famous hand against Ireland in 2009. Henry, who feared this return to a French lawn, was deeply moved by this reception.
Henry, the free kick of forgiveness in Auxerre
“Frankly, I didn't expect it”he told the team's microphone. “Thank you to the Auxerrois public for that and for Djibril, it's heart -warmed. But we are not there for me ”, he added with modesty. The link that seemed broken with the French public seems, the space of one evening, having repaired. And this moment of emotion was amplified by the beauty of the gesture: Henry opened the scoring of a magnificent free kick of 20 meters, in full skylight, facing Fabien Cool. A “dead leaf” which recalls that, even far from the field, the talent is not forgotten.
A tribute supported to Djibril Cissé
But beyond personal emotion, Thierry Henry was above all there to celebrate his friend. And his words were up to the event.
“Djib is a great guy, with character and honest. That's all he represents. The person he has been and that he is still at present. »» A sincere tribute, reinforced by the highlight of half-time, when Cissé's daughter sang in front of the entire stadium, causing tears to her father.
Thierry Henry wanted to be present for his friend Djibril Cissé.
An evening responsible for memories and symbols
The jubilee of Djibril Cissé was not only a festive match: he also served as a theater for many reunions between striking figures of the 2000s. From Drogba to Okocha, via Mexès or Wiltord, all were present to celebrate a player who marked French football. But it was Henry who, by his free kick and by the reactions he aroused, crystallized the emotions of the evening.
Henry, peaceful, between heritage and transmission
This moment shared with the audience of Auxerre may mark a symbolic turning point in the relationship between Thierry Henry and French supporters. He who has sometimes been tried with severity finds a deserved recognition here, in a warm and popular setting. An evening which, beyond the party, made it possible to close certain injuries and to honor an entire generation of footballers.
