San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker will not answer a French basketball call-up for the next two years after being asked by his NBA coach to focus on club duty.

"I've discussed the last European championship with Pop (Gregg Popovich, Spurs coach)," Parker said.

"He clearly told me I would not play the next Euro qualifiers next September. He wants me to rest a bit during the off season.

"However, he is not opposed to my participation in the European championship in 2009.

"It means I will have a two-year break from France."

France finished last month's tournament in eighth place and failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Reuters