Bordeaux have claimed they took a “financial decision” not to hire Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as their new head coach.

Henry, 41, was expected to take over from Gus Poyet last month, only for talks to be suddenly terminated. Ex-Brazil centre-back Ricardo was instead named as successor.

United States investment fund GACP are about to buy the 19th-placed club in Ligue 1 and their head Joe DaGrosa has commented on the links to the Gunners’ all-time top scorer.

He told L’Equipe: “In each business, whether it be a football team, a shop or an insurance company, there are business plans. And sometimes that involves taking difficult decisions.

“We had hoped to reach an agreement with Thierry Henry, but sometimes reasonable people can disagree. That’s what happened.

“I have a lot of respect for him. He was a great player and he has a very interesting career plan, but we took a financial decision and not an emotional one.”

Henry – who has never been a No1 – served as assistant to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez during this summer’s run to third at World Cup 2018.