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Lizarazu announces retirement

Bixente Lizarazu has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season.

Bayern Munich defender Bixente Lizarazu has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season.

The former World Cup and European Championship winner with France told Canal Plus that he will work as a pundit for the French television channel next year.

Having retired from international football after Euro 2004, the 36-year-old will follow in the footsteps of close friend Zinedine Zidane in hanging up his club boots in the summer.

"I've been thinking about this decision for several months," said Lizarazu.

"I've decided to stop at the highest level, playing for a club that has given me everything.

"I am lucky to have experienced all the emotions a football player can dream of.

"I have received much more than I had hoped for. I can look back on it all with pleasure and pride."

The energetic left back started his career at Bordeaux but has played the majority of his club football in Die Bundesliga having joined Bayern in 1997.

Lizarazu, who won 97 caps for Les Bleus, has been plagued with injuries during the past two campaigns, however.

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