Lilian Thuram Will Play for France in the Euro 2008 Qualifiers

Although most of the "old" players are thinking about retirement after the World Cup, there are some outstanding champions that prefer to keep playing for their national teams. After Cafu refused to retire from Brazil - despite Roberto Carlos and Juninho leaving international football - Thuram is another player eager to continue his international career.

The 34-year old defender was repeatedly asked by France's coach, Raymond Domenech, to stay with "les bleus" for at least one more campaign. After a few days of evaluating the situation, Thuram decided to help Domenech build an "after-Zidane" team on Stade de France.

"I haven't had much choice. When I was in Guadeloupe and in Africa during the summer and even when we were in New York with my club, there was such a demand from the fans that I feel like I have to come back to thank them. My only doubt is whether I'm capable of playing for the two sides, Barcelona and France. I'm 34 and I play for one of the best clubs in the world. I hope I can live up to the expectations", stated Thuram yesterday.

The French defender transferred to Barcelona this summer, after his former team, Juventus Turin, was relegated into Italy's Serie B. Thuram came to play for the Catalan side alongside Gianluca Zambrotta. The transfer fee for both players was 19 million euros (15 million - Zambrotta, 4 million - Thuram).

Another player set to give his response to Raymond Domenech is Chelsea's midfielder Makelele. Probably the best defensive midfielder in Europe, the Frenchman is another player that Domenech doesn't want to let go for the Euro 2008 campaign. The Chelsea midfielder is expected to give his response any day now.