HENRY IS THE ENEMY

Deschamps to tackle Les Bleus legend

from PAUL BROWN

DIDIER DESCHAMPS has branded old pal Thierry Henry the enemy ahead of France’s semi-final showdown with Belgium.

Deschamps and former Arsenal star Henry were team-mates when Les Bleus won the 1998 World Cup on home soil.

But while Henry remains a France icon and his nation’s record goalscorer, he is now plotting their downfall as assistant coach to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

France chief Deschamps said: “We were team-mates but he jumped on the right train and I’m delighted for him.

“I have always appreciated what he did for his club and for the national team.

“It is a difficult situation for him. It is like when you leave your club and come back to play them with another team – you are part of the enemy team.

“He is going to be on the bench facing his home nation, but he always knew it could happen. On a personal note, it is with great pleasure that I am going to see him again.”

Split

France No.1 Hugo Lloris also played with Henry towards the end of his international career and reckons the 40-year-old could be in for an emotional ride in St Petersburg tonight.

Tottenham star Lloris said: “I was lucky enough to play with him for two seasons on the France team. He is a huge player, a giant of French football.

“It is a bit peculiar to see him with the Belgium team but that’s how he’s learning his career. His heart will be split.

“We know him well. He has a lot of passion for football and he will be with the Belgians, giving everything to help his team.”

Lloris has been one of the stars of the show for Les Bleus, making a superb save to help them beat Uruguay 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

But while he wants to follow in Henry’s footsteps by lifting the trophy, he admits France will have to play the game of their lives against a star-studded Belgium team. Lloris said: