Football news - Monaco confirm Thierry Henry as manager

The 41-year-old, who started his career at the principality club, has considered moves to Aston Villa and Bordeaux in recent weeks but has opted for the 2017 French champions.

Monaco parted company with Leonardo Jardim on Thursday with the club languishing 18th in the table.

"In the first place, I thank AS Monaco for giving me the opportunity to coach the team of this club which is so special to me," Henry told the club’s website.

"I am very happy to come back to AS Monaco and extremely determined to meet the challenges ahead. I cannot wait to meet the players to start working together."

Henry’s spell at Monaco earned him a brief move to Juventus, before he flourished at Arsenal during a glorious eight-year spell in north London.

Moves to Barcelona and New York Red Bulls followed, plus a return to the Emirates on loan, while he enjoyed World Cup and European Championship success at international level.

Henry has since worked as a pundit and Belgium assistant manager, helping them reach the World Cup semi-finals in Russia.

"His knowledge of football, his passion for the game, his high standards and his commitment to our colours make his nomination a reality," said Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev.

"Thierry is both aware of the task ahead and eager to start his new job. He can count on our trust and all our support to bring a new dynamic to the team and carry out the mission."

Henry will come up against a former Arsenal team-mate in the dugout, with Patrick Vieira managing Nice.