'Relax, I love Kane and Lamine Yamal' - Henry defends his Ballon d'Or hosting

Thierry Henry has defended himself after criticism over the way he hosted Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.

The former France and Arsenal forward, who has come under fire for remarks he made towards Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, overall winner Harry Kane and co-host Kate Scott on the night, has addressed what he said was "people getting really excited about nothing".

Henry, who was presenting the ceremony alongside CBS Sports colleague Scott, joked with Lamine Yamal about him winning a third successive young player of the year award.

He also corrected Scott's pronunciation of Brazil legend Socrates' name and admitted he wanted fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe to beat Kane to the top prize.