France captain Thierry Henry revealed the effects of his notorious handball which earned Les Bleus a place in the 2010 World Cup. Henry admittedly handled the ball before setting up William Gallas with the winner against Ireland last week, causing huge dismay in Europe. "Friday, when it all went too far, I was very worked up," the Barcelona star was quoted as saying by French L'Equipe. "It's not the first time (that I thought about retiring). After the 2006 World Cup, I thought about it, but it was too early. After Euro 2008, too, but it wasn't the right moment. There was a generation that needed me. "Despite everything that has just happened and the fact that I felt let down, I will not let my country down." Didn't Celebrate Henry, who issued a statement explaining his 'instinctive reaction' on Saturday, reiterated that he regrets his unlawful part in the crucial goal. "I shouldn't have done that but, frankly, it was uncontrollable, after all we had been through," he added. "Indeed, I regret that. That is why after the game I went to shake hands with each Irish player. Then, we didn't celebrate, even in the changing-room. People can't say anything. "After the game, I went to the press conference to say I did a handball. I could have missed it and not say a word. But I didn't escape my responsibilities." "The day after the match, and the day after that, I felt alone, really alone. "It was only after I issued my statement that the people from the French Federation got in touch."
