Zidane & Henry Inspire Tony Parker‘s Coaching Debut with French U17 Team
Paris, France – Former NBA star Tony Parker will begin his coaching career leading France’s U17 national basketball team, a decision heavily influenced by conversations with French football icons Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) confirmed the appointment Friday.
Parker, 43, a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, recently completed coaching training after a prosperous career as a club president and entrepreneur. he revealed in August on RMC radio that discussions with Zidane and Henry sparked his desire too transition to coaching.
“Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry spoke to me about their passion,” Parker said.”I have this desire to transmit, to give back to French basketball and this is the next stage of my life. We talked about that and I know that this discussion gave them a lot of happiness, they are in the same process as me, of wanting to transmit. After a lot of conversations,it seemed obvious to me to move to this level to pass on,to give back to my sport.”
Zidane enjoyed notable success as Real Madrid‘s manager, while Henry has coached at Monaco, Montreal, and most recently led France’s Espoirs team to an Olympic silver medal. Both former players transitioned to coaching after illustrious playing careers, driven by a desire to share their expertise and passion for their respective sports.
“I am happy to be able to start my coaching career with the France team. For me, it’s quite a symbol,” Parker told L’Équipe.
