22 METROSPORT Tuesday, November 24, 2009 D So hard to handle Abandoned Henry almost quit over his World Cup controversy FRANCE captain Thierry Henry admits he con- sidered quitting international football after his handball against the Republic of Ireland. The Barcelona strikers blatant handling in the build-up to William Gallas extra-time equaliser in the Paris play-off went unpunished last Wednesday and put the French through to the World Cup finals 2-1 on aggregate. The former Arsenal striker released a statement on Friday claiming a replay of the play-off would be the fairest solution hours after Fifa had ruled the result could not be changed or the match replayed. But Henry insisted: We worked on this release with my lawyer without knowledge that the in- ternational federation would meet the same day on the subject. The 32-year-old added: Yes, I asked myself the question [about retiring from France]. Without the support of my family, I perhaps would not have made the same decision [to con- tinue]. But despite everything that has happened, the fact of feeling abandoned, I do not let go of [playing for] my country. After the game, and even for the next two days, I felt alone, truly alone. It was only after I sent my statement that people from the French feder- ation appeared. I should not have done it but it was uncontrol- lable. After all that had happened... yes, I regret it. Thats why I spoke with the Irish one by one. Picture: EPA Mixed emotions: Henry regrets his handball but will play on as France head to the World Cup finals Adebayor: Tevez is one of the best EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has insisted fellow Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is more than just a goalscorer. The Argentina forward has scored just twice in the Premier League since leaving Manchester United in the summer but, after his appearance as a substitute at Liverpool on Saturday, Adebayor said: We all know how good Carlos is he was 100 per cent professional when he came on [at Anfield], fighting for the team in defence, keeping the ball and making it easier for me. People may be asking why he has not scored a lot but hes one of the best around. He just needs a bit more confidence to start scoring. Key pair close to Fulham return FulHaM boss Roy Hodgson has revealed Danny Murphy and andy Johnson are in both contention for the Cottagers Premier league showdown with Blackburn tomorrow. Skipper Murphy has missed six weeks with knee ligament damage while striker Johnson has been nursing a groin problem for the past month. Hodgson said: Its good to see them back. Having them available this week isnt out of the question. Who knows when Ill have to throw them in? Troubled Trotters boss hit by unrest BOLTON manager Gary Megson has claimed some of his squad are unsettling the dressing room. Wanderers derby defeat by Blackburn on Sunday left them in the Premier League relegation zone and Megson admits there are problems at the Reebok Stadium. Asked if certain players are trying to destabilise the club, Megson said: Yes, there are bound to be one or two who arent too happy. You have to make sure it doesnt become an issue. I am sure it wont be. If you are in [the side], great, if not you have to get on with it. Team player: Tevez FOOTBALLDigest Becks proud after LAs penalty loss DavID BeCkHaM insisted he was proud of la Galaxys rise from also-rans to MlS Cup finalists after their shoot-out agony at the hands of Real Salt lake. The Galaxy lost 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Seattle on Sunday night, and the 34-year-old netted in the shoot- out as Salt lake won their first MlS crown. But Beckham, who has been part of three england teams knocked out of major tournaments on penalties, said: We can be proud of where weve come to. Its not a nice way to lose but thats the way it is. soccer TOTTENHAM striker Jermain Defoe has revealed his next goal is to fire the north London club into the Champions League this season. The England strikers amazing five goals against Wigan in Sundays 9-1 Premier League victory saw manager Harry Redknapp hail him as the best finisher in the country. Defoes five-goal haul took him to 11 Premier League goals for Spurs this term with another three for England. And now the 27-year-old hopes Spurs will be playing Champions League football next season and he can win the Golden Boot leading them there. Id like the Golden Boot as it would be my first, he said. Id like us to finish fourth it would be fantastic for the club. I always watch football and I always watch Champions League games. Its a competition where youre playing against the best. Id be playing against the best defenders in the world in a great competition. WIGANS players last night offered to reimburse travelling fans who endured Sundays 9-1 humiliation at Tottenham. Latics defender Mario Melchiot said: As a group of players, we feel we badly let down our supporters and this is a gesture to pay them back for their tremendous loyalty. As a group of professionals we were embarrassed by the way we performed. Wigan offer fans refund Top four is Defoes goal after hitting famous five Inspired: Defoe has new goals IPSWICH have denied reports that manager Roy Keane is set to lose his job at Portman Road. Keane has won just three league games since replacing Jim Magilton in April and saw his side held to a goalless draw by Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. Ipswich are only being kept off the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship by Peterborough after picking up just 13 points from 17 games, but are currently on a six-game unbeaten run. Reports suggested the former Manchester United captain was set to be shown the door after a board meeting on Sunday but the club insist there is no change in management planned. A spokesman said: Reports in the press that Roy will be sacked are complete rubbish. There were no meetings over the weekend and Roy remains in charge. Keane made headlines on Friday with his frank reaction to the Republic of Irelands World Cup exit and admitted after the Sheffield Wednesday draw that a lack of goals was the key to the slump. Ipswich have scored just 17 league goals to date and Keane wants his team to up their efforts. He said: We are looking a bit more solid at the back but were obviously not scoring enough.You just need someone to have that killer instinct were lacking that at the moment. Were still keen on Roy, say Ipswich Backing: keane By Paul MuRPHy index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html