Makelele set to quit

France midfielder Claude Makelele is expected to retire from international football.

The Chelsea star wanted to quit Les Bleus following their exit from Euro 2004 in order to concentrate on club matters.

The move would have seen Makelele join the likes of Lilian Thuram and Zinedine Zidane in quitting the national team.

However, new coach Raymond Domenech asked the 31-year-old to fill in for Patrick Vieira as the Arsenal captain was doubtful with the thigh injury that has been troubling him.

Although Makelele faced Israel, he was left out of the Faroe Islands encounter as Vieira skippered the side, and was sent off in the 2-0 win.

Apparently, the former Real Madrid man has already told team-mates he is finished with France but Domenech is to bid to convince the player to make one last appearance, against Republic of Ireland at Stade de France next month, as Vieira is suspended for the clash with Brian Kerr's charges.

Makelele ends career with Les Bleus

PARIS, Sep 9 (SW) – Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has informed France manager Raymond Domenech and his teammates he was putting an end to his career with Les Bleus.

The 31-year-old player, who got his first cap for France in 1995, did not take part in Les Bleus’ successful 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 campaigns, as he only became a regular pick after the European championship.

France’s new manager Raymond Domenech having a large number of options in the midfield area, it became obvious the Chelsea ace would struggle to get first-team action, as Makelele was not picked for his national side’s friendly game against Bosnia last month and also missed last night's 0-2 win away to the Faeroe Islands.

Makelele then informed the group he would not take part in any further game of Les Bleus, as he comes the fifth France international to retire these last two months.
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This is great news. Have they even got a holding midfielder now?

Nobody that I can think of off hand anyway. Looks like the French camp isn't the happiest at the moment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slash/ED

Nobody that I can think of off hand anyway. Looks like the French camp isn't the happiest at the moment.

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Yeah the disharmony has been obvious since the shock defeat to Greece, sure Henry isn't too bothered with them these days, he does not play anything like for his club when he's in the blue jersey