Dugarry blasts French fans

The Bordeaux man played 55 times for his country, helping them to World Cup and European Championship glory, but says his inclusion in the squad was always questioned.

The 30-year-old says he was tired of having to prove he deserved to be in the team, and was upset at the treatment he received from the fans, leading to him calling time on his international career.

"I was in the France team for eight years, but we can say that my career was quite chaotic," Dugarry told L'Equipe.

"I have 55 caps, however, each time it was called into question. I always had to struggle and faced great media pressure.

"Then from the fans, I think I am the World Champion who is most booed in France.

"Those 55 selections were snatched with strength and courage. And I am a little tired with all that. I am tired to have had to fight so much. I never rode on any popularity wave."

Dugarry took the decision before the tournament in Japan and Korea, and says that he has no desire to carry on to Euro 2004.

He says that his club form often suffered from his dedication to his country, and he now aims to win Le Championnat with Bordeaux before his career ends.

"Honestly, I can't see what a new European tournament could change for me. I already played four final competitions with the French team.

"For the French team I made huge sacrifices. The team deserves those sacrifices, but at a certain time, it was probably to the detriment of my career at my club.

"I didn't have rest periods. I think from the Tournoi de France in 1997 to Confederations Cup in 2001, I never really had the chance to recover, and did not have normal preparation time.

"Today I still have three years to play and I want to devote it to my club. My aim is to become French champions with Les Girondins before the end of my career."