Thierry Henry has hit back at criticism of his performance at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, telling his detractors to "relax" after jokes about Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and co-host Kate Scott sparked controversy.The former Arsenal and France striker addressed the backlash in a social media video on Wednesday, arguing that his comments had been misunderstood and insisting he meant no disrespect to anyone involved.He is the one: Kane wins Ballon d'Or!One of the most talked-about moments came when Henry teased Yamal, who collected the Young Player of the Year award for the third consecutive time."It's your third one, right? But is it the one you really wanted to win?" Henry joked, drawing an audible reaction from the audience.The 49-year-old later insisted the remark was not intended to undermine the Barcelona star."I'm a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn't checking his ego at all. That you didn't like the joke, I can understand," Henry said."But don't do that. He's one of the players I'd pay to watch. I love him."##EDITORS_CHOICE##Henry also addressed criticism over his exchange with Scott after she pronounced the name of Brazilian football legend Socrates. Some viewers interpreted his correction as disrespectful towards his co-host, but Henry rejected that suggestion."Please stop saying I disrespected Kate. I will never do that, and you can ask her – she was in on the joke with me," he said, explaining that Scott had deliberately shortened the name before he repeated it.The ceremony also drew attention when Henry admitted he had hoped fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe would win the main award ahead of Kane. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10066805##However, he was quick to praise the England captain, who emerged as the overall winner."I'm French and I was always going to back up and support my fellow countryman," Henry explained, but he stressed that his preference had never been intended to diminish Kane's achievement."I said to him, 'You are a worthy winner, you deserve it. You are the example that work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent.' Well done, Harry Kane, and I call him Sir Harry Kane since the World Cup."Bayern Munich to face Dutch giants in official opening of Raila Odinga StadiumHenry finished with a blunt message for those continuing to criticise him."So please, people out there, relax, relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal and I didn't disrespect Kate. She was in on the joke with me."