Barthez retires from football

By European Football
October 6 2006

French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has decided to call it a day and has retired from professional football. The former Manchester United had been without a team since his departure from Olympique Marseille in the end of last season.

The famous bald-headed keeper's last match was nothing less than the World Cup final against Italy on July 9th, and thus follows the same decision as his fellow countryman the great Zinedine Zidane, who retired three months ago.

In press conference, Barthez stated:

"I will start a new life.

"I'll continue having fun, but without football.

Apart from playing for United, he starred in Toulouse, Monaco and his last team Marseille. His record as an international is remarkable: capped 87 times for France and played key roles in winning World Cup 1998 and European Cup 2000, as well as runner up this last edition of the World Cup.

He won't be easily forgotten, that shiny skull and the amazing skills and saves he showed in his best will leave a mark just like his hilarious blunders that gave us all a good laugh.