Former France international Johan Micoud has announced his retirement from football.
Former French star hangs up boots
Former France international Johan Micoud has announced his retirement from football.
The 35-year-old enjoyed a 16-year career which he began at Cannes.
He later moved on to Bordeaux, before spells at Parma and Werder Bremen.
He finished his career by rejoining Bordeaux in 2006 before leaving earlier this summer when Laurent Blanc opted not to offer him a new contract.
Micoud admits he was disappointed not to still be involved with Bordeaux.
"My departure from Bordeaux? I have nothing against anyone, even if it is true I didn't appreciate the way it was done," he said.
"I would have preferred to make the decision together or talk about it. It was very difficult for me during one week, so I went to meet Blanc again to tell him what I really thought. It was quite tense. But that talk released me. I have turned the page now."
Freedom
Micoud admits he is enjoying some freedom.
"I am enjoying my first real holidays for 20 years," said Micoud.
"It is just great happiness! I have retired. Early last summer, it was quite clear in my mind it would be the last season.
"In June, I lost my fire. Some clubs were very nice to think about me, but it was difficult for me to resume elsewhere other than Bordeaux.
"If I would have received a huge offer from the Persian Gulf, I would have thought about it.
"However, I haven't looked for anything, except in USA. But it has not been settled. So I have decided to stop, I am released."
