Henri Michel, former France midfielder and manager, dies aged 70

Former France international midfielder and manager Henri Michel has died at the age of 70. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

Former France midfielder Henri Michel has died at the age of 70, the French Footballers' Union (UNFP) has announced.

As a player, Michel led Nantes to three Ligue 1 titles and won 58 caps for his country before beginning a long and varied managerial career.

Under Michel’s guidance, France won the Olympic title in 1984 in Los Angeles, and reached the World Cup semi-finals two years later.

Michel went on to coach at a number of clubs and nations in Africa, including leading the Ivory Coast in their 2006 World Cup campaign.

He had spells managing Paris Saint-Germain, Al Nassr, Aris Thessaloniki, Raja Casablanca, Al-Arabi, Zamalek and Mamelodi Sundowns.

His last coaching role was with Kenya in 2012.

The UNFP tweeted: “Henri Michel, a colossus of French Football, left us this morning in his 70th year. UNFP sends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”