World Cup 2006 News
Thuram to quit international football after World Cup
Jul 3, 2006, 22:28 GMT
Hamelin, Germany - French defender Lilian Thuram confirmed Monday that he is to retire from international at the end of this World Cup.
France face Portugal Wednesday for a place in the final against either Germany or Italy and the 34-year-old says once his team has finished its odyssey in Germany he will be calling it a day with the international team.
'At the moment, I am savouring this World Cup. I am having fun because it's the last. But it's best for all I should stop at my age,' he said laughing.
Thuram made his debut in 1994 along with Zinedine Zidane and is the oldest player to line out for France at a World Cup finals.
The Juventus defender initially retired from international football at Euro 2004 after France's quarter-final loss to eventual winners Greece.
But he returned to the fold a year later along with Zidane and Claude Makelele as France struggled to qualify for Germany.
Thuram is France's most capped player and will make his 120th appearance for Les Blues against Portugal.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in World Cup 2006
- 1. Zidane case: FIFA to decide behind closed doors
- 2. Rooney reiterates he didn't deliberately stamp on Carvalho
- 3. Materazzi appears before FIFA over Zidane incident
- 4. Materazzi admits insulting Zidane, FIFA opens probe (Roundup)
- 5. FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Marco Materazzi
Older Talkback
