Henry backs Platini in UEFA leadership campaign

PARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has backed former France playmaker Michel Platini in his bid to take over from Lennart Johansson as president of European soccer's governing body UEFA next year.

''Michel Platini is among the players who have left their print on soccer history on the pitch,'' Henry told the French sports daily L'Equipe today. ''It would be nice if he could leave his print off the field too.

''We footballers would like the people in charge to have the same feelings we have. When they talk about schedules, the matches, the problems in football, we don't have our say in the matter,'' said the France striker.

''Someone who has played at the highest level can understand us.

I don't want to get involved in a political debate but I think it is normal we back him in his campaign.'' Johansson, who has held the post since 1990, is standing against Platini in the January election.

If re-elected, the 76-year-old Swede said this would be his last campaign.

Reuters PM GC1540