Real Madrid’s French international Zinedine Zidane has announced his decision to retire after the World Cup finals in Germany.
“It’s my decision and it’s final,” the France and Real Madrid playmaker told Canal+.
The 33-year-old Zidane has a year to run on his exisiting contract at Real but injuries have reduced his effectiveness him over the last couple of seasons.
Zidane added: “I have to listen to my body and I cannot carry on for another year,” said Zidane.
“I think it is better to clarify the situation now.”
Zidane scored twice in France’s 3-0 triumph over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final and also led his country to the Euro 2000 title.
A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Zidane became the most expensive player in football history when Real signed him from Juventus for £37m in 2001 .
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