Lizarazu considers French stay

Bixente Lizarazu is considering extending his international career after talks with new France coach Raymond Domenech.

The 34-year-old seemed certain to quit international football after their Euro 2004 exit at the hands of eventual winners Greece.

Lizarazu now says that he would find it tough to leave Les Bleus after 12 years, and may decide to continue his international career.

"I have been in the French team for 12 years and it is not so easy to stop," said Lizarazu.

"It was important to talk with Raymond. I needed to listen to him. I had my opinion that only depended on my personal desires.

"Now it is much easier to know what I have to do."

Domenech will also be meeting Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane as he continues to consider the futures of his older French stars.

Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has already said that he wants to continue with France and has no intentions of quitting.