News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » France's Thuram, Makelele quit after Euro defeat

France's Thuram, Makelele quit after Euro defeat

June 18, 2008 12:41 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Defender Lilian Thuram and midfielder Claude Makelele announced their international retirements after France were eliminated from Euro 2008 following their 2-0 defeat by Italy on Tuesday.

- Images: Italy vs France

The 36-year-old Thuram, who won a record 142 caps but did not play on Tuesday, was the only member of the Euro 2008 squad to have started the 3-0 final win over Brazil at the 1998 World Cup.

"That's the end of my career for France and of a very important part of my life," Thuram told reporters. "There's a lot of sadness."

Makelele, 35, won his 71st cap in the Group C game.

- Dutch wreck Romanian hopes | Images

"This tournament was my last for France," he said.

Widely regarded as one of the world's best holding midfielders, Makelele never won a major trophy for France.

His best achievement was being part of the team defeated by Italy at the 2006 World Cup final in Germany.

"To have been allowed to wear France's colours, that's my trophy," said Makelele.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

New Zealand's tour of India 2024

New Zealand's Tour Of India, 2024