Thierry Henry is expected to be unveiled as the manager of Montreal Impact on Monday.
Montreal Impact announced the appointment of the former Arsenal striker as their head coach on Thursday, with the club confirming he’s signed on for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, with an option for 2022.
Speaking to their official website, Henry said, “It’s an honour to coach the Montreal Impact and return to MLS.
“It’s a league I know well, in which I had some very nice moments. To be in Quebec, in Montreal, which has an enormous multicultural heritage, it’s extraordinary. I’ve always kept an eye on the club and now I’m here.”
For those who aren’t aware, the MLS works on a calendar year format, so Henry will be ready for the start of the new season. He’ll be presented to the media on Monday and take up his new role in mid-January when the club’s training camp begins.
Henry spent time in the MLS as a player, playing for the New York Red Bulls for around four-and-a-half seasons, though he did spend a few weeks of that time back on loan at Arsenal.
“We are extremely happy to announce the nomination of this legend of the game,” said Montreal Impact president and CEO Kevin Gilmore. “Henry will bring a new energy to our club. He shares our vision to elevate this club and will help us achieve our goals on and off the field. He is a competitor and a leader who has proven himself at the highest level throughout his career. He now brings these qualities with him to Montreal, a place he wants to be.”
“We are extremely happy with the arrival of Thierry Henry,” said Montreal Impact sporting director Oliver Renard. “Young and dynamic, he’s very familiar with MLS and meets the qualities we were looking for in our search. This nomination, two months before the start of camp in January, will give us a chance to build our squad with the man that will lead it.”
In terms of managerial career, Henry started out with the Arsenal youth teams, before working as an assistant coach for the Belgium national team. His only previous appointment as the head coach of a senior side was with AS Monaco, though he only managed a 20% win rate across 20 games before being sacked.
