Henry retires from French national team

The 32-year-old forward announced his decision during an interview Thursday at the offices of The Associated Press before a news conference to discuss his signing with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

A member of France's 1998 world championship and 2000 European champion teams, Henry said he will not try to emulate England's David Beckham and commute between the U.S. and Europe.

"I always want to be here 100 per cent and fully committed to this cause and the organization," Henry said.

Henry had 51 goals in 123 international appearances. He made his debut Oct. 11, 1997, scoring in injury time of a 2-1 win over South Africa. His finale was June 22 against the Bafana Bafana, when he entered in the 55th minute as the French were eliminated from the World Cup with a 2-1, first-round loss.

"That was my last game against South Africa," he said. "Ironically, it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa."

Henry made up his mind before the tournament.

"I couldn't announce it before because that's not the type of thing you announce before a World Cup," he said.