Marcel Desailly has said that he could retire from football this summer following his release by Chelsea. He said that Chelsea "had opened the door for him to end his playing days and pursue other interests" by letting him leave the club 12 months before the end of his contract. The 35-year-old former France captain, who cut his playing links with Chelsea by mutual consent yesterday, is mulling over his options on a 10-day break.
The one-time Marseille and AC Milan maestro may opt to extend his playing career for one more season. Celtic have been linked with Desailly, but he has now played down reports linking him with the Scottish champions. He will be 36 in September and could bring down the curtain on a celebrated career before the start of the new season.
He added: "Chelsea have been fantastic with me by freeing my from the final year of my contract, since when I've given myself 10 days to decide what my future will
Hold. I am currently reflecting on opportunities, knowing that two possibilities are open to me: either to turn the page and begin a new life professionally - besides Chelsea have opened a door for me in that sense - or to extend my playing career. I am in the meantime flattered to note that my name has not been ignored by certain clubs."
Desailly is expected to announce his future plans by the end of next week and does not intend to give any media interviews until his decision is made.
The 35-year-old wrote in a diary entry on marceldesailly.sports.fr: "When I have something to say I will say it on my website. Since I announced my departure from Chelsea I have not given any interviews and do not intend to give any in the next 10 days."
Desailly left Chelsea after six successful years, but injury prevented him from playing a full role last season as the team from west London reached the Champions League semi-finals and finished second in the Premiership. A defensive leader of the World Cup and European Championship-winning teams of 1998 and 2000, Desailly's ability to perform at the highest level was brought into question after his lone appearance at Euro 2004, during which he was run ragged in a 2-2 draw against Croatia.
Filed by Brendan Cole
