Petit has been reported as saying that Thierry Henry was pretty hurt at first at not being called up for the first team, "at first, it was a hard blow. Now he's feeling better. But he has the qualities it takes to return. He's very strong." Presumably his B-team call-up together with the coaches positive words about him (see this newsreel item) will have helped.

Petit has also spoken again about English football, in a more positive way this time! He reckons the country is on its way to being the next major force in world football, at both club and international levels. So stick around and be part of it Manu! He sees England as being at the same stage that France were at after being beaten by Bulgaria in the World Cup in 94. France went on to host and win the next tournament. Which is presumably one reason Petit doesn't want England hosting the 2006 event. He supports Morocco's bid because, apparently, he's been there a couple of times and it's a beautiful country. I guess if he's still at Arsenal in 2006 a World Cup in England wouldn't make much of a holiday for him, so maybe this is a positive indication of his future intentions....?