Thierry Henry named Belgium assistant coach

Former France star Thierry Henry has been named as the new assistant coach of Belgium, the national coach announced Roberto Martinez announced on Friday.

"Thierry is an important figure. He will bring something different. He agreed right away to join us," said ex-Everton Martinez, who was appointed at the start of the month to succeed the sacked Marc Wilmots.

"Honoured to be assistant coach @BelRedDevils. Thanks to Roberto Martinez & the Royal Belgian Football Association. Very excited.Can't wait," Henry tweeted.

Henry, 39, finished his glittering playing career in 2014 with New York Red Bulls after previously starring for Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona.

Since hanging up his boots, he has been working as a pundit for British television station Sky and as an under-18 coach at Arsenal.

He left the latter role in July because Gunners boss Arsene Wenger did not want Henry juggling his coaching with his punditry.