French legendary star and Arsenal star Henry paid tribute to Popovich, the legendary coach of NBA Spurs, on CBS Sports today.

Popovich announced that he would step down as head coach after 29 years in charge of the Spurs and would become the club's president of operations. Henry said: "Popovich ended his 29-year career as the head coach of the Spurs. I met him on the opportunity to visit Tony Parker and was always warmly received. As we all know, we always say that Coach Pop will stay, but for 29 years, he is like Sir Ferguson in our football world, and now he will be promoted to president of operations."

"I never had the opportunity to thank him formally, but those conversations with him about leadership are invaluable. I once asked him how to balance Duncan's core position and the locker room relationship during Parker's rise, and discussed how he coordinated the coexistence of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan. He always taught me everything he knew."

"He is a true great man. I would like to wish El Jefe all the best!"