Thierry Henry has looked back on Michael Olise's decision to play under him for France at the 2024 Olympics despite England's interest in including him in their squad for the Euros.

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry got to know Michael Olise well in 2024, when he coached the French team at the Paris Olympics.

The Bayern Munich star could have opted to represent England, who, according to Henry, wanted to include him in their squad for the 2024 European Championship. 

However, the 24-year-old had made up his mind to represent France instead.

“He convinced himself! That's what he did,” Henry said on the “Kampo” podcast.

“Michael called me every day about going to the Olympics, even though England wanted him for the European Championship. If he had said he wanted to play for England, he would have gone. I called him to ask if he wanted to come (to the Olympics). He told me: 'I'm there.'”

Henry went on to describe Olise's desire to play for the French national team as “extraordinary”.

“Michael Olise has loved the French national team ever since he was a little boy,” he added.

It didn't take long for the 49-year-old to realise that Olise, who has since earned 29 senior caps for France, was a special talent.

“Michael is different because he thinks differently. At some point, you shouldn't try to understand geniuses,” Henry said.

“Michael has this thing about him where you find yourself asking: ‘Why did you do that?’" Henry continued.

“It's very, very rare to see a player with such technical quality going forward who also wins back so many balls – even more than the defensive midfielder. Sometimes you even feel like telling him: 'Stop running. Save some energy for when we're attacking.' But he's a team player.

“As a coach, what are you supposed to tell him? Absolutely nothing. Would you tell a painter how to paint? Why hold back a genius?”

Olise and France face Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.