Thierry Henry says the group of France players who lost to Spain in a dramatic Olympic men's gold final are "life for me".

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France lose to Spain in Olympic gold finalManager Henry praises his playersArsenal icon says this group is "life for me"WHAT HAPPENED?

France fought back from 3-1 down to force extra-time against Spain on Friday, before eventually losing 5-3 in the gold medal match. Despite the loss, Arsenal icon Henry praised his players for their fight and spirit – as they came away with the silver medal.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THIERRY HENRY SAID

He said after the loss: "There is one thing that is super important to me, it is that the team fought. We played a match, at the beginning we did not have the impression that it was going to be a match, and we made it a match where it was decided by very little. But we cannot say that this team did not fight."

Henry added: "And so this group, whatever happens, we know that we will never find ourselves together again like that, it's just impossible, we know that, but this group is for life for me."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Spain continued their recent dominance of international football, weeks on from their Euro 2024 triumph, with a remarkable win over France at Parc des Princes. This was their first Olympic gold in football since 1992 but France's wait for that same prize is now at 40 years.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

When the hubbub of the Olympics dies down, Henry will likely take a break before resuming his France Under-21 duties. Meanwhile, his players will soon be heading back to their respective clubs for the new season.