Arsenal legend Henry to be assistant manager on Belgium

Brussels: Former France striker Thierry Henry has been appointed as an assistant to new Belgium coach Roberto Martinez as the talent-packed team seeks to shake off its underachiever tag.

Belgium went into the European Championship in France as a title favourite, but was shocked by Wales 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

Martinez, announcing his first squad since taking over from Marc Wilmots after Euro 2016, said on Friday that Henry, France's all-time top scorer and winner of the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, is "very keen to join and make sure he can pass on his experience."

Henry reacted to his surprise appointment in a tweet, "Thanks to Roberto Martinez & the Royal Belgian Football Association. Very excited. Can't wait."