PARIS, June 29: France's goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has hinted at retiring from international soccer and said his decision would mainly depend on the identity of the new French coach.
"A lot will depend on the discussion I'll have with the future manager," Barthez told sports daily l'Equipe, adding he would be glad if his friend Laurent Blanc were appointed. Retired defender Blanc and former Monaco and Fulham manager Jean Tigana are the two favourites for the departing Jacques Santini's job.
"I'm friends with Tigana, I'm friends with 'Lolo' (Blanc) even though it's true I have more ties with Laurent, a deeper friendship," Barthez, who won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship with France, said.
The Olympique Marseille goalkeeper said friendship could be the key to his decision to keep playing for France after two successive disappointments at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2004.
Holders France were ousted in the quarter-finals by Greece and Barthez emerged as the one of the only French players with his reputation intact having saved a David Beckham penalty in a 2-1 opening group victory over England.
Asked if he would retire if the other older members of the 1998 World Cup squad called it quits, he said: "If that were the case, it's a possibility. "I need that sort of friendship, these rare moments when you're like brothers. We're in the same age category, we have the same values. "I cannot see myself stay by myself. Let the youth take over," he said. -Reuters
