PARIS - France forward Thierry Henry furiously rejected the idea that Les Bleus owe a few words of thanks to Italy after the Azzurri's 2-1 defeat of Scotland saw both sides book their place at Euro 2008.
The nation has been heralding Saturday's result at Hampden Park but Les Bleus' record goalscorer rejects any claims that they should be grateful.
"Nobody sent us to the European Championships," declared Henry on French television channel TF1.
"I've read comments such as 'grazie mille' (a million thanks). But no, Italy qualified themselves and France qualified themselves."
Coach Raymond Domenech was delighted at Christian Panucci's last-gasp winner which broke Scottish hearts.
He found out the result after watching next opponents Ukraine take on Lithuania in Kaunas, but admitted that qualification was somewhat bittersweet.
"We're qualified and that's a relief," he told www.fff.fr. "But it's also true to say that I feel there's something missing.
"I didn't jump up with joy in the stands at Kaunas and I would have done in Ukraine if we had gained qualification in our last match.
"But thanks to Italy for playing their best and right until the death in Scotland."
Domenech added that there would have been advantages to his side having to travel to Ukraine with their fate still in the balance.
"A team builds itself in difficulty as well," he said.
"I'm happy but at the same time a bit disappointed. The match in Ukraine would have been a good experience for the squad, it would have been like a cup match which would have been a good stepping stone.
"It's a regret but I'm not going to be too upset about it."
