Deschamps on verge of retirement from French team
First Published: Aug 30, 2000The retirement of France captain Didier Deschamps is expected to be confirmed tomorrow.
The 31 year old Valencia star is to quit the national team according to 'L'Equipe' and the magazine 'France Football' carries an interview with the midfielder in its Friday edition to confirm the retirement from the team he led to World Cup and Euro 2000 victories.
Deschamps is then expected to lead France against England on Saturday night in a friendly at the Stade de France which is meant to be a celebration of the French team's success in July.
Veteran centre back Laurent Blanc confirmed his retirement from the double winners last month and plays his last match against England.
French coach Roger Lemerre is set to install Patrick Vieira of Arsenal as Deschamps's natural successor in midfield but Deschamps won 102 caps for France and is a tough competitor to replace.
The midfielder won Italian championships and the European Cup with both OM and Juventus and has a four year contract with valencia after a July move from Chelsea.
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