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Thuram and Makelele confirm retirements

18/06/2008

France veterans Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele have confirmed their international retirements following the team's exit from Euro 2008.

Goals from Andrea Pirlo and Daniele de Rossi earned Italy a 2-0 victory over the French, who also had Eric Abidal sent off for a foul on Luca Toni.

The result, coupled with Romania's 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands, meant France finished bottom of group C with just one point and are eliminated from the tournament they won eight years ago.

And Chelsea midfielder Makelele, 35, said afterwards he has "no regrets" about confirming his decision to quit the international stage.

"I always said this would be my final competition," Makelele said.

"Most of the decisions I have taken I have always taken 100 per cent.

"I have sweated for this shirt and it has brought me 100 per cent happiness, so there are no regrets.

"A new generation can take the reins and come together. I am totally with them."

Thuram, 36, who is France's most-capped player ever with 142 appearances for the national side, said the defeat was "very difficult to take", despite the fact that he played no part in the game.

"It is even more difficult for me because it is my last match for France," said the veteran, who is now looking for a new club following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona.

"As for my future, I would like to continue to play but I don't know if any club wants me."