Fabio Cannavaro insists he has no intention of retiring from international football.

The Italy skipper has been ruled out of Euro 2008 with torn ankle ligaments and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

He had hinted in the past that he would call time on his glittering Azzurri career at the conclusion of this summer's tournament, but has now backtracked.

At 34 the World Cup-winning captain accepts he is unlikely to have another tilt at European Championship glory, but is determined to still be involved by the time the World Cup rolls into South Africa in 2010.

"This was my last European Championship," said Cannavaro.

"We are footballers and these things happen. After two years working on this campaign, it seems right for me to stay with the team."

The Real Madrid centre-half picked up his latest injury in a training-ground challenge with Giorgio Chiellini, but Cannavaro is refusing to pass any of the blame onto his defensive colleague.

He added: "Giorgio Chiellini is an exceptional lad, these things happen. It is not his mistake.

"Definitely I have the will to return. I hope to give the coach difficulties when he is selecting squads."

Having seen his talismanic skipper ruled out, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni remains undecided as to who will inherit the armband.

He is, however, delighted that Cannavaro will be sticking around to lend his support to his team-mates.

"To lose a player of Cannavaro's quality is tough but I'm confident the person who takes his place will perform well," said Donadoni.

"It is very important to have Cannavaro here. It is important for the group."

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