Re: Zidane retire after WC 2006
Zidane retires from international soccer
Soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane announced his retirement from international soccer on his Web site on Thursday.
``This is not a surprise,'' the Web site said. ``Zinedine Zidane has put an end to the suspense.''
Zidane led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup by scoring two headers in the final against Brazil, cementing his place in the French sports history.
In 2000, he starred again as France won the European Championship for the second time in its history.
He made his debut a decade ago and played 93 times for the national team, scoring 26 goals, and also captained the team 11 times. He lost only seven matches in his international career.
Zidane was the leader of a golden generation in French soccer. Following the retirement of Zidane, Lilian Thuram, Bixente Lizarazu and Marcel Desailly, that era is now over.
The Web site said that Raymond Domenech, France's new coach, was unable to persuade Zidane to stay. Domenech, meanwhile, announced his team to face Bosnia-Herzegovena in a friendly next week. The team will include six players who are to make their first appearance for France: Eric Abidal of Olympique Lyonnais, Patrice Evra of AS Monaco, Gael Givet of AS Monaco, Alou Diarra of RC Lens, Rio-Antonio Mavuba of FCG Bordeaux, and Pierre-Alain Frau of Olympique Lyonnais.
The 32-year-old Zidane will continue to play club soccer with Real Madrid until his contract with the Spanish giant expires in 2007.
Three other French stars from the 1998 and 2000 winning sides — Bixente Lizarazu, Lilian Thuram and Marcel Desailly — all retired after Euro 2004.
Combined with Zidane, this experienced quartet formed the spine of France's team and shared 409 caps between them.
From the '98 team, only goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and midfielder Patrick Vieira remain.
The French national stadium became Zidane's favoured playground over the years. Whenever he played there, something magical seemed to happen.
``The idea of never seeing Zidane wearing the blue shirt again is unbearable,'' French newspaper l'Equipe said in an editorial.
In the first ever match at Stade de France, Zidane scored the winner against Spain in January 1998.
Thanks for all Zinedine, the best player in the history of France and probably into the Top 10 in the world history for me; my first football idol and not only for his amazing moments in a field... :applause: