The COVID-19 pandemic brought the planet to a standstill, affecting people from all walks of life. For global sports icons like Thierry Henry, the struggle wasn’t just physical but took a toll on their mental wellness as well. The French soccer legend recently opened up about his struggles with mental health during the pandemic, while sharing a poignant story of vulnerability and self-discovery.

Henry recounted his experience of ‘crying almost every day’ during the pandemic. The Frenchman wasn’t able to limit his emotions, reflecting the struggles of his younger self. Let’s uncover Henry’s revelation of his vulnerable side that many hadn’t seen before.

Thierry Henry recounts his ‘tears’ during the COVID pandemic

In a recent episode of the ‘Diary of A CEO’ podcast with Steven Bartlett, the former French World Cup winner and Arsenal legend opened up about a profound moment during the pandemic quarantine. Henry was questioned amid the conversation about his well-being and state during the pandemic lockdown. The Frenchman’s response was nothing short of raw honesty, painting a picture of a man grappling with deep-seated emotional turmoil.

“Everything came at once, especially during the COVID time. I was crying almost every day for no reason, tears were coming. Maybe they were waiting for a very long time. I don’t know whether that needed to come out. It was weird but in a good way. There was stuff I couldn’t control and I didn’t try to. The tears, I couldn’t suppress,” Henry confessed.

The Arsenal legend also delved into how his struggles were deeply rooted in his past, stemming from a childhood filled with pressure from his father. “So, yeah, you would have seen me crying. I was crying but, technically, it was the young Thierry crying. He was crying for everything he didn’t get,” Henry added. This admission from Henry showcases and challenges the perception of invincibility that often shrouds famous personalities.

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Henry’s human moment amidst isolation

Thierry Henry, who is currently managing France U-21, disclosed that it was during the isolation period in Montreal, that he battled his mental health demons. However, when he returned to his home after the quarantine, a pivotal moment occurred. As he prepared to leave again after things got back to normal, he reflected on an emotional farewell with his family, making him ‘human’ again.

“I put my bags down to say bye and everybody starts to cry, from the nanny to my girlfriend to the kids. For the first time, I am like ‘They see me, not the football player, not the accolades,’ and I felt human,” Thierry Henry recalled.

Henry’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or accomplishments. This story is also a testament to his incredible success and the motivation that drove him to triumph.

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