Thuram & Makelele confirm retirements
Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:32Defender Lilian Thuram and midfielder Claude Makelele announced their international retirements after France were eliminated from Euro 2008 following their 2-0 defeat by Italy.
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.
'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.
