By Sohaib Shams
Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has responded to criticism over his hosting of Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, saying the backlash amounts to "people getting really excited about nothing."
Henry addresses Lamine Yamal joke
During the ceremony, Henry teased Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal about winning a third consecutive young player of the year award, asking if it was the prize he really wanted. The remark drew an audible reaction from the audience. In a social media video posted Wednesday, Henry said he is a big fan of Yamal and was not "checking his ego." He added, "He's one of the players I'd pay to watch, I love him."
Response to Socrates pronunciation criticism
Henry also corrected co-host Kate Scott's pronunciation of Brazil legend Socrates' name during the event. He said Scott was in on the joke, explaining that she deliberately said "Soc" and he repeated it. "Please stop saying I disrespected Kate," Henry said. "I will never do that and you can ask her, she was on the joke with me."
Support for Mbappe and praise for Kane
Henry admitted he wanted fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe to beat Harry Kane for the top prize but called Kane a "worthy winner." He said he told Kane, "You are a worthy winner, you deserve it, you are the example that work ethic is a talent." Henry urged people to "relax," adding that he loves both Kane and Yamal and did not disrespect Scott.
