Zinedine Zidane announces retirement from international soccer
French superstar Zinedine Zidane retired from international soccer Thursday, posting the announcement on his Web site.
French superstar Zinedine Zidane retired from international soccer Thursday, posting the announcement on his Web site.
"This is not a surprise," he said on his Web site. "Zinedine Zidane has put an end to the suspense."
Zidane led France to the 1998 World Cup championship with two goals in the final against Brazil, cementing his place in French sports history.
In 2000, he starred again when 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.
The 32-year-old Zidane is expected to continue playing club soccer with Real Madrid until his contract with the Spanish giant expires in 2007.
Zidane was the leader of a golden generation in French soccer, starring with Lilian Thuram, Bixente Lizarazu and Marcel Desailly. The foursome formed the backbone of France's team and shared 409 caps between them.
Thuram, Lizarazu and Desailly all retired after this year's European Championship. From the 1998 team, only goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and midfielder Patrick Vieira remain. Vieira is likely to be selected captain. Robert Pires becomes the most experienced player, with 74 caps.
France's new-look team begins 2006 World Cup qualifying with a home group match against Israel on Sept. 4 at Stade de France.
The French national stadium became Zidane's favorite place to play over the years. Whenever he played there, something magical seemed to happen.
In the first ever match at Stade de France, Zidane scored the winner against Spain in January 1998. His two header goals against Brazil gave France its first World Cup title and secured his place in French folklore.
Zidane's face was flashed up onto the Arc de Triomphe as millions took to the Champs-Elys?es in Paris chanting "Zizou, Zizou."
He played 22 matches at the stadium, scoring 10 times.
On the Net: www.zidane.fr