Barthez calls time on career

FABIEN BARTHEZ has announced his retirement from football.

The 35-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning team, made the announcement on French television channel TF1.

“I am quitting the French team, I am quitting club football,” he said.

Barthez, whose last game was Les Bleus’ World Cup final defeat to Italy this summer, has been without a club since he was released by Marseille at the end of last season.

Barthez, who has also played for Toulouse, Monaco and Man United, added: “I am going to continue enjoying myself without football.”