Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has opened up on his controversial handball incident for France, and also said that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is forgiven when he cheats.
Read: Henry: Mata's Goal Was Ridiculous
In a 2010 World Cup qualifying match for France, the Frenchman's controversial handball sent his nation through to the competition, with many feeling as though he ruined his reputation.
In a do-or-die encounter with Republic of Ireland, Thierry Henry controlled the ball with his hand, before William Gallas helped the ball into the back of the net.
When asked about the incident, Henry mentioned that when Lionel Messi cheats, he is hailed by the fans.
"It is the competitor reflex, which you occasionally have," he told Canal +
"When Messi scored against Espanyol [in 2007], he dives and everyone sees it. I remembered all the words 'extraordinary, brilliant Messi, he resembles Maradona.'
"And me? It seemed like I had killed someone."
The former Barcelona player, who was Messi's teammate at the Catalan club, retired last year and now works as a pundit in England.
In his professional career, he scored 344 goals, while he assisted 130 for his teammates.
Do you agree with what Henry is saying about cheating and Messi? Let us know in the comments section below.
