Dugarry - has quit international football (Allsport)
DUGARRY QUITS LES BLEUS
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France striker Christophe Dugarry has
confirmed his retirement from international football because of a lack of
motivation.
He also criticised the French media and certain sections of Les Bleus'
supporters, who he feels have made him a scapegoat for the few failures during
his time in a blue shirt.
The Bordeaux star, who scored eight times for the national team, featured in
all three group games during the disastrous World Cup campaign in Japan and
Korea.
Roger Lemerre's side crashed out in the first phase without scoring a goal.
Speaking to L'Equipe newspaper, the 30-year-old says he can no longer cope
with the stresses of being a member of the national team.
He said: ``I felt I had taken from the French team everything I could.
``I've been playing with them for eight years, but my history with them has
been rather chaotic.
``I have 55 caps but every one has been brought into question.
``I have always had to fight and face a huge media pressure, as well as
pressure from the public.
``I have probably been the most booed world champion ever.''
Dugarry becomes the third member of France's World Cup (1998) and European
Championship (2000) winning squad to call time following the dismal defence of
their world crown this summer.
Youri Djorkaeff and Frank Leboeuf have also announced their retirement at the
age of 34.
Dugarry insists he has no regrets, and has no intention of being involved in
the qualification campaign for the 2004 European Championships.
``I will not regret my decision because I am tired and have fought so much,''
Dugarry added.
``I have never enjoyed any popularity, which could have eased a lot of things
for me, and I do not see what another Euro title would bring me.
``I cannot see myself going back into a new campaign with qualifying matches
which are not particularly interesting.
``I don't think I would have enough motivation to do that.''
Instead Dugarry has set his sights on winning the Le Championnat title with
his club Bordeaux, where he signed a three-year contract extension last season.
He continued: ``For the French team I made a lot of sacrifices. It was
worthwhile but at some point it happened to the detriment of my club career.
``For example last summer I missed resting periods to go to the Confederations
Cup, and I never managed to recover from that and make an appropriate
preparation for my club.
``I have three years left on my contract and I want to devote them to
Bordeaux.
``Now my objective is to be a French champion with Les Girondins before the
end of my career. It is what I dream about.''
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