DESAILLY TO CARRY ON PLAYING

The 32-year-old French defender, who has been handed the Stamford Bridge captaincy for next season despite being reluctant to accept it, admitted he is at an age where retirement is acceptable but feels too good to quit the game.

Speaking after France`s 1-0 win over Denmark, Desailly said: "Today, if I stop my career it would be quite normal because I have reached a certain age where it is accepted.

"But I feel really good in myself and I do not have any physical problems. I have not had many problems through my career, so I am benefiting now.

"I hope to make the best of the next few years, at least until the 2004 European Championships.

"I do not want to set anything in stone, but you are likely to see me for some time!"

Desailly admitted that the decision of his former Chelsea and France team-mate, and close friend, Didier Deschamps to retire made him take stock of his personal situation.

He revealed that he would have liked to have retired at the same time as his close friend, who is now in charge of Monaco.

"His decision made me think," stated Desailly. "It was an especially big disappointment.

"We started together (at Nantes in the mid 1980s) and it would have been nice to finish together.

"I was astonished by his decision, but my legs are still galloping so I will continue."