Zidane's retirement unseemly says Auxerre coach Roux

Auxerre coach Guy Roux claims Zinedine Zidane's decision to retire from international football was at odds with him continuing his career with Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old Zidane, who made 93 appearances for France and won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, generally received plaudits and praise after Thursday's announcement but the outspoken Roux had a different stance.

"I consider it unseemly that a French first-choice player at Real Madrid is not available for selection and that the whole world just accepts it, even with joy," Roux told French radio station France Infos.

"I think all those who play football with French nationality are available for selection, including Zidane. It's not for him to decide. I don't think it's right that we just accept it like that."

Meanwhile Zidane headed into international retirement saying he had been deeply affected by the wind of change that had swept through the national team both on and off the pitch.

The French football legend, who scored two goals in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final on home soil, claimed in an interview on Canal+ that "something was broken."

"Already there have been 2002 (France's first round exit when defending their World Cup title) and 2004 (the European Championships' quarter-final loss to Greece) - it was the straw which broke the camel's back," said the Marseille-born Zidane.

"The retirements, and the departures at backroom staff level, have really affected me."

"Above all when I learned of the radical changes among the staff, particularly Henri Emile and Philippe Boixel, who were part of my generation, this affected me."

"As I have already said, things have been breaking down a bit."

"My decision is clear. I took my time in making it and it is a final decision. Nobody will be able to make me change my mind," continued the Real Madrid playmaker who emphasised he made the decision after discussing it with those close to him.

"I did not do this all alone. You have to talk to those close to you, your family. France needs a new generation of players on the run-up to the World Cup in 2006. Places need to be made for younger players to come through."

"Now I will be viewing the French team in a different light, and certainly with pangs of nostalgia."

He completely ruled out an international return even if they were struggling. "That would not be a good idea. And I think France are strong enough to rise up to the challenge."