France's women's football team head coach Laurent Bonadei led the tributes on Monday to former skipper Amandine Henry who announced her retirement from the international game on Sunday.
The 35-year-old, who played 109 times and scored 14 goals for her country, made her debut on 22 April 2009 in a friendly against Switzerland. Her last game came during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"She can leave the French team with a legitimate sense of pride," said Bonadei who took over from Hervé Renard in August. "Her longevity is testament to her considerable attachment to the team.
"Amandine has spent 20 years with the national team since her debut for the under-17 side in 2004. She has been through a lot with the French team. It hasn't always been easy, but she's never given up."
Shortly after breaking into the national squad, Henry fell from favour for three years. But she returned to the team in 2013 for the European championships and became a mainstay of Philippe Bergeroo's sides.
Corinne Diacre anointed her captain when she was appointed team boss in 2017.
But after skippering the side at the 2019 women's World Cup, Henry rowed with Diacre and criticised her methods in a notorious TV interview. A midfielder considered a generational talent was excluded from the national team until 2023 when Renard and Bonadei were drafted in to replace Diacre and steer the squad through the 2023 World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Commitment
Bonadei added: "Having worked with her over the last two years as Hervé's assistant, I can testify to her commitment and professionalism. On behalf of all the French team staff, I'd like to thank her and say a big well done to her."
Henry, who has been playing at the Mexican outfit Toluca since last month, announced her move on social media.
"I've had the immense honour of wearing the France shirt, the pride of defending our colours with fervour and the happiness of sharing unforgettable moments with my team-mates," she said.
"After so many years of passion, challenges and unforgettable memories, it's time for me to turn the page."
Though she won no major international honours, she amassed 14 league titles, eight Coupe de France crowns and seven Champions League titles domestically with her French club Lyon.
During a year in the United States, she lifted the 2017 National Women's Soccer League championship with the Portland Thorns.
"So many memories shared over all those years together," said France striker Eugénie Le Sommer on social media. "Well done for your career in blue."
France's sports minister Gil Avérous also hailed the player on social media. "Thank you Amandine for everything you've contributed to women's football and for inspiring so many young players! I wish you all the best in your future challenges."
"Forever a legend of the French national team," said the official Les Bleues account on X. "Thank you for everything you've contributed to Les Bleues, Amandine."
On Thursday, Bonadei will name his squad of 23 players for the friendlies against Jamaica on 25 October at the Stade Bonal in Montbéliard in south-eastern France and four days later against Switzeralnd in Geneva.
