bono_man2002
Blue Crack Addict
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10420799-23215,00.html
The 32 year-old said he has been deeply affected by the wind of change that has swept through the national team - both on and off the pitch.
The French soccer legend, who scored two goals in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final in Paris, claimed in a TV interview that "something was broken".
"Already there had 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 Zidane, capped 93 times.
"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," said 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 are struggling. "That would not be a good idea. And I think France are strong enough to rise up to the challenge."
Zidane factfile
Born: June 23, 1972
Place of birth: Marseille
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Real Madrid (SPA/since 2001), Juventus (ITA/1996-2001), Bordeaux (1992-1996), Cannes (1986-1992), SO Septeme, US Saint-Henri
International record: 93 caps, 26 goals
Honours
World Cup 1998
Euro 2000
Champions League 2002
Intercontinental Cup 1996, 2002
Europe Supercup 1996, 2002
Italian Serie A 1997, 1998
Italian Supercup 1997
Spanish league 2003
Spanish Supercup 2001, 2003
European Player of the Year 1998
FIFA World Player of the Year 1998, 2000, 2003
UEFA Player of the Year 2002
The 32 year-old said he has been deeply affected by the wind of change that has swept through the national team - both on and off the pitch.
The French soccer legend, who scored two goals in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final in Paris, claimed in a TV interview that "something was broken".
"Already there had 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 Zidane, capped 93 times.
"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," said 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 are struggling. "That would not be a good idea. And I think France are strong enough to rise up to the challenge."
Zidane factfile
Born: June 23, 1972
Place of birth: Marseille
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Real Madrid (SPA/since 2001), Juventus (ITA/1996-2001), Bordeaux (1992-1996), Cannes (1986-1992), SO Septeme, US Saint-Henri
International record: 93 caps, 26 goals
Honours
World Cup 1998
Euro 2000
Champions League 2002
Intercontinental Cup 1996, 2002
Europe Supercup 1996, 2002
Italian Serie A 1997, 1998
Italian Supercup 1997
Spanish league 2003
Spanish Supercup 2001, 2003
European Player of the Year 1998
FIFA World Player of the Year 1998, 2000, 2003
UEFA Player of the Year 2002
