Thuram announces retirement

France legend steps down due to heart problem

By James Dall   Last updated: 1st August 2008

Thuram announces retirement

Thuram: France legend

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Former France defender Lilian Thuram has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old is stepping down following the discovery of a cardiac malformation during a medical taken in June ahead of a prospective move to Paris Saint Germain.

Thuram, who tallied a record 142 caps for France, made the announcement at the Parc des Princes on Friday afternoon.

He said: "There are family reasons which have also been taken into account.

"I wanted to be the (Paolo) Maldini of PSG but that has not been possible. It's sad to end a career like this."

Thuram began his career at Monaco in 1990 before moving to Italy in 1996 to play for Parma and then Juventus.

He then signed for Spanish giants Barcelona in 2006 and was ready to pen a one-year deal with PSG this summer, with the option of a further 12 months, before his heart condition was detected.

Thuram won the World Cup with France in 1998, and then the European Championship two years later.