Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram End Their International Careers



French internationals Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram have officially ended their international careers following France's loss to Italy, which eliminated France from the Euro tournament.

Thuram won a record 142 caps for France, and was the only member of the current French team to be a starter for France's 1998 World Cup victory. 

The 36 year old Thuram who plays his club soccer for Barcelona, was quoted as saying, "There's a lot of sadness...(the national team) was a very important part of my life."

The 35 year old Makelele won 71 caps over his time with France, but never won a tournament with France. He said, "To have been allowed to wear France's colors, that's my trophy."

The departure of Makelele and Thuram could be the beginning of a long changing process for the French national team. 

Youngsters like Nasi, Ribery, Gomis, and Benzema must step up and carry the French team in the future.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Ribery, Benzema, and Nasri look like the future of "Les Bleus." Who would have thought the game before this "derby" would have been Thuram's last game for France. What an influence, what a captain.

By the way, I just added your link on my blog's sidebar.
mad6986 said…
Thanks!

Its sad to see that Thuram didn't even get to play against Italy, but he did have a great run.

I think the youngsters of France could still be great...

I'm just wondering how much longer Henry will play for? I'm assuming until the next World Cup, but after that who knows?
Anonymous said…
"who plays his club soccer.."

You must be a Yank?
mad6986 said…
Lol "you must be a yank"

and you must be an english chap?

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