Fans loved the wholesome reunion between Thierry Henry and his former player as Kate Abdo translated their chat

Monaco produced a huge upset in the Champions League with a stunning victory over Barcelona - and Thierry Henry's interview with one of his former players afterwards has quickly gone viral.

The new-look Champions League has begun in earnest this week with the much-publicised new format of a league phase comprising 36 teams.

All sides will play eight fixtures each, after which the top eight will automatically reach the competition's last 16 phase, while those who finish between ninth and 24th will be involved in the play-offs, with the 12 teams finishing below this mark to be eliminated.

Last night at the Stade Louis-II, Monaco produced one of the shocks of the opening matchday by beating Barcelona 2-1.

Maghnes Akliouche put Monaco ahead after 16 minutes after Barca had been reduced to 10 men when Eric Garcia was given a straight red card for fouling Takumi Minamino as the last man, with the Spaniard initially shown the wrong card by the referee in a bizarre incident.

But the Catalan side drew level through youngster Lamine Yamal as he netted his first Champions League goal before the half-hour mark.

However, Monaco took the lead after the break thanks to teenage substitute George Ilenikhena's goal - and it proved decisive as the hosts emerged victorious, with Barca fans left furious with one player in particular.

After the game on CBS Sports, France and Arsenal legend Henry spoke to Akliouche, a player whom he coached at the Paris Olympics this summer for the French national team.

And multilingual host Kate Abdo translated the chat in full as Henry spoke in his native language to his former player in a wholesome discussion between the pair, with the former Gunners man beginning by congratulating the 22-year-old on his goal.

This Maghnes Akliouche and Thierry reunion 🤝🥹

With live translation from @kate_abdo, because she can do it all 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/bI7D3FOwuU

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 19, 2024

Henry said: "What did you feel when you scored your goal?"

Akliouche replied: "It was a pleasure, it was a joy to score at home against Barcelona, this was my first game in the Champions League, so this is magical moment to live this."

Henry followed up by asking: "What's the target this season for Monaco, is it quarter-finals, is it semi-finals? Monaco is a team that traditionally goes far in the Champions League?"

"We are looking to put Monaco on the map, to be playing in the Champions League every year and why not to go ahead and win this competition. That is our goal and it's a pleasure to be there," the player added.

As the exchange between the pair continued, Henry added: "Can you reach a target of 10 goals this year?"

"Yes, I think that's achievable. In two matches a week, that's definitely doable, I want to be decisive for the team, Akliouche responded.

Abdo then broke into French herself to ask Akliouche what it was like to have Henry as a coach over the summer, much to the Arsenal legend's embarrassment.

Akliouche said: "Thierry has clear ideas which were very well explained. He gave the team freedom and it was that freedom that allowed the team to go as far as they did in the Olympics."

And the interview ended with the pair saying they miss each other, as fans took to social media to voice their approval.

One said: "This is so beautiful."

Another wrote: "The beautiful game."

One commented on Abdo's job, saying: "Kate is a really great host."

One fan continued this theme, writing: "Kate is the best in the business."

And another gave very high praise, saying: "Wow, you guys are pushing for that Sports Emmy for Best Studio show. That was amazing."