Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry has admitted that he thought about ending his international career in the wake of last week's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.
The Barcelona striker handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' goal which ultimately cost Giovanni Trapattoni's team a place in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.
Henry said 48 hours after the game had finished that he thought the match should be replayed, but FIFA had already ruled that the result would stand.
Henry has been castigated for his actions and has admitted that it has been a difficult time for him, telling French sports daily L'Equipe:"Friday, when it all went too far, I was very worked up.
"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.
"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."
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