Thuram and Makelele call it quits - again
Lilian Thuram joined France team-mate Claude Makelele in retiring from international football after Les Bleus’ elimination from Euro 2008.
Chelsea midfielder Makelele confirmed after the 2-0 Group C defeat to Italy he was sticking to his word and quitting the international scene following the conclusion of France’s campaign.
Thuram had hinted before the tournament that he could even continue on for France until the 2010 World Cup but he has also chosen to retire.
The veteran centre-back’s 142nd and final appearance for his country came in the 4-1 defeat to Holland on Friday.
His poor performance in that game saw him dropped for the defeat to Italy.
Both players retired from international football before the last World Cup but were talked into returning by coach Raymond Domenech.
Thuram will still play club football however, although he is without a club having come to the end of his contract at Barcelona.
“I have the intention of continuing to play but I still don’t know where,” said the 36-year-old, France’s record cap-holder whose only two goals for his country came in the 1998 World Cup semi-final win over Croatia.
Makelele, 35, earned 71 caps but did not manage to score for France.
