Thierry Henry to forfeit World Cup bonus

AFP - Thierry Henry confirmed Thursday he would be renouncing his World Cup bonus following France's disastrous display in South Africa.

Earlier this week it emerged that Henry and Nicolas Anelka, whose expulsion from the France camp led to the infamous training strike, were the only two players who had yet to formally reject the payment available to them.

On Wednesday French sports minister Chantal Jouanno announced that both players "were in the process" of signing the necessary paperwork.

Henry, in an interview in sports daily L'Equipe, confirmed: "It was only on Tuesday that my agent received an e-mail from the FFF (the French Football Federation). In order to sign a document you have to be aware of it first. It will be signed and approved."

The former France captain added: "In view of how we performed in South Africa I find it more than normal that we forfeit our bonuses."

Henry, France's all-time leading scorer, played a substitute's role at the World Cup and is now playing in the United States with the New York Red Bulls.

Anelka has said he plans to give his bonus to help the amateur game in France.