"He called me every day": Thierry Henry reveals how much Michael Olise wanted to play 2024 Olympics for France

Henry reveals Olise called him daily to play in Paris Olympics, turning down England's Euro offer to represent France.

Thierry Henry has praised Michael Olise's commitment to France, revealing the Bayern Munich winger called him every day to ensure he could play in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born in London to a Nigerian father and Franco-Algerian mother, Olise had the option to represent England at Euro 2024 but prioritised the Olympic Games with France instead.

Henry explained that assembling his Olympic squad was challenging because clubs had no obligation to release players outside FIFA international windows, yet Olise made clear his intention to join despite the risk of friction with his new club. "His desire to play for the French team was extraordinary," Henry said in the Kampo podcast.

"A player of his calibre came, even with the risk of falling out with Bayern Munich. He told me: 'Wherever I go, I'll tell my club I'm going to the Olympics, that's it.'" Olise went on to be one of the standout performers at the Games, helping France secure the silver medal.