Arsenal legend Robert Pires has praised Thierry Henry’s decision to quit his punditry role with Sky Sports in order to become a full-time head coach. The Frenchman has been associated with a potential step into management over the past couple of years and he has now decided to realise his ambition after also resigning from the assistant role with Belgium.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Pires said that Henry has taken the right choice at the current phase and believes his compatriot is prepared to make the mark in club management, he said: “I don't know if a chairman will give Thierry the opportunity but he will be a good manager.During the World Cup he was assistant to Roberto Martinez and did very well. If you ask all the Belgian players all of them, especially [Romelu] Lukaku, they say they learned from Thierry every day.I'm very happy he left Sky. I sent him a message yesterday saying 'finally, you left'. Not because he's not a good pundit but I know Thierry. He's ready.”

Since Pires’ comments, Aston Villa have been heavily touted to recruit the Frenchman with reports suggesting that the club’s new co-owners have already agreed terms with the Gunners legend The news would surely come as a bitter blow for Steve Bruce, who has done no wrong over the past year but Henry can expect a difficult challenge with the Villains currently having to deal with financial concerns.

The west Midlands outfit have solved one part of the issue with NassefSawiris and Wes Edens taking ownership of the club but they still have to adjust for the Financial Fair Play which may witness the departure of a couple of key players. James Chester and Jack Grealish are presently the possible candidates who could make way before next month’s transfer deadline.