Zidane, Makelele return to French fold .........

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Zidane, Makelele return to French fold.


PARIS, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Three-times World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane has decided to play for France again, the midfielder announced on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid player had announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2004 a year ago.

'(France coach) Raymond Domenech came to see me two or three times in Madrid and he told me what he expected from me,' Zidane said on his personal website.

The 33-year-old said fellow midfielder Claude Makelele had also decided to play for France again.

Makelele had announced his international retirement in September last year, saying he wanted to concentrate on his club career with Chelsea.

Zidane's decision came as a surprise after he had said several times over the past few months that he would not change his mind.

Pressure on the inspirational midfielder to return had increased with France facing a struggle to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany and badly missing his unique skills.

Zidane will play for France in their next match, a friendly against Ivory Coast on August 17 in Montpellier. Makelele will also be a candidate for a place in the starting line-up.

Regarded by many as the world's finest player, Zidane has won 93 caps, scoring 26 goals for France. He helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and the European championship in 2000.

Domenech, preparing his team for World Cup qualifiers next month, welcomed the decision of Zidane and Makelele to return.

'I am very satisfied that France can again rely on Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele, two hugely talented players who play at the highest level with their clubs,' Domenech said in a statement.

terrible news for Ireland.i had my doubts against the French before this.now i think its very slim chance

It appears Sept. 7th will be a big day for you, and it's good that it will be played in Dublin. What really doesn't help is that France trails you by only 3 points, and has played 1 fewer game. Hey, anything can happen......

I suppose this is a good thing for France , even though they have been poor in the last competitions.

i have my ticket for the game.cant wait.if we even draw witk them we will win the group

Thuram also annouced today that he is back in the french team.
And Pires selection is said to be possible ...

Zidane, today, said that he had not been influenced by anybody ... it has been some kind of spiritual call he couldn't deny

France will be tough with these players back in the fold, joining Henry and co.

But on a good day Ireland can draw and beat them. They have some class players and work well together.

Come on Ireland, lets hope they can do it, they are good enough to draw with France, and France dont always perform so lets hope they dont when they are playing ireland.

What does it mean for France's future though. To have to call on players coming to the end of their carears it cannot be good news. Yes in the short term, it COULD be a quick fix, but they are not going to be around for long.

These players may be in the twilight of there careers, and long term who knows whats in store, but these are starting players at Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus.....and they do have young players waiting in the wings......