France football coach understands Mathieu's decision to retire

Paris, Oct 4 (IANS) France head coach Didier Deschamps has said that he understands the decision of Jeremy Mathieu to end his international football career, after the defender claimed that he does not have the motivation to wear the national jersey.

In a press conference on Monday, Deschamps said that he understands the Barcelona defender's decision, and argued that Mathieu's international experience was not the best, reports Efe.

The French coach had to call up Valencia's Eliakim Mangala to the France squad last week to replace Mathieu for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers games against Bulgaria and Holland on October 7 and 11 respectively.

Deschamps appreciated Mathieu's honesty, who admitted that he cannot play with the national team as he does not have the energy.

Mathieu, who only represented France on five occasions, stressed as he announced his retirement, that he is going to be 35 in 2018 and that his age is not in his favour.

The player was not selected for the Euro 2016, which France hosted and lost 0-1 in the final against Portugal.

--IANS

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