Zidane finally scotches rumours of France return

THREE-TIMES World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane crushed rumours about his possible return to the France team by saying he would definitely not be coming out of international retirement.

“I have made a decision and I will not reconsider it, full stop,” the Real Madrid play-maker said in a brief statement on his website.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European championship with France, ended his international career after they were knocked out of Euro 2004 in August last year.

French sports daily L’Equipe quoted him earlier this month as saying he might change his mind. Zidane denied the story, but his statement did not stop the debate.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the pressure was growing on Zidane to resume playing for his country. France face a struggle to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and could definitely use the skills of the experienced play-maker.