PARIS (AFP) - Veteran France international midfielder Claude Makelele confirmed his international retirement on Tuesday following the 2006 World Cup finalists first round exit from Euro 2008.
The 35-year-old Chelsea star rounded off his 71-cap career in the 2-0 defeat by world champions Italy which left the French bottom of Group C and an early plane home.
"I always said this would be my final competition," said Makelele, who also played for Nantes and Marseille in France.
"I have no regrets at finishing now.
"Most of the decisions I have taken I have always taken 100percent.
"I have sweated for this shirt and it has brought me 100percent happiness, so there are no regrets.
"A new generation can take the reins and come together. I am totally with them," added Makelele, whose international highlight would have been as part of the 2006 World Cup final side that lost on penalties to Italy.
Makalele was not the last to announce his retirement in the aftermath of the match as 36-year-old Lilian Thuram, France's record caps holder with 142 caps, also announced he was calling it a day.
"This elimination is very difficult to take, it is even more difficult for me because it is my last match with France," said Thuram, who was left on the bench for the Italy match having been exposed during the 4-1 defeat by Holland.
"As for my future, I would like to continue to play but I don't know if a club wants me," added Thuram, who is wanted by ailing French giants Paris Saint Germain but is thought to be keen on a political career.
Others such as Patrick Vieira and goalkeeper Gregory Coupet are thought to be considering retiring.
However, Thierry Henry, France's record goalscorer with 45 in 102 matches, said he wasn't going to take an instant decision.
"Yes, of course, I want to continue," said the 30-year-old, who had a miserable first season with Barcelona.
"I had already said that it had crossed my mind (of retiring) but I am here.
"I don't know what is going to happen but I am going to reflect on what I am going to do."
Comment 1 - 6 of 6
you have retired fine but never forget the little boys left behind, try vist africa and give the little black boys confidence. you are joining Desaily and zizou gays vist africa. Hope you have the best in FUTURE, give HENRY cofidence so as to processed BELIVE IN YOUR GOD FOR WHAT YOU HAVE CHOOSEN.FOOT BALL IS LIKE A TOUR SOME TIMES SHORT AND SOME TIMES LONG.
AM FREDDIE KANYIKE, YOUTH COACH AT EDGARS YOUTH PROGRAMME UGANDA
Blame is not to old players but for the coach who failed to nurture young talents long time ago. Bye Makelele and Thuram. Cong for your huge contribution for the success of French football at the highest level for a decade.
These players have given a lot to french football and world soccer at large.
Congratulations to them.You cannot win everytime and sometimes when you loose,you actually WIN.
Very few players stay at the top level for 3yrs, talkless of these guys who have been around for 10 yrs at least.
I have been there and it is difficult to say goodbye,but just as no man lives forever,you cannot play forever.
Football and life in general is like a stage,you perform and when your time is up you have to take a bow,and leave the stage for the next performer.
God bless these guys and i wish them all the best for their future.
And hello, am a neutral fan.
Oliseh sunday...Ex captain of the super EAGLES OF NIGERIA
Thuram and Makalele have taken the right step to retire and give the younger ones chance to serve their country too. Let me congratulate them for honestly serving their country(FRANCE) for years. From Sumo G. in Monrovia
I agree with the fact that people like Thuram, Makalele and Ryan Giggs (I know i said it) should know when to retire from club football, let alone internationals. I think that Henry is stil fully cappable to play on top form just he needs a quick, young attacking partner who can run a little for him (Benzema is ideal).
Viva les Bleu!
Finally these OLD, obsolete, and overly confident players realize that they are past their prime and should handicap their national team no more. Just like boxers, football players never know when to call it quits soon enough. Utterly disgusting to go out of an international career in such a pathetic manner.
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