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Zidane Signals Retirement after a World Cup Win

Zinedine Zidane, the French midfielder, is far from young. The 33-year-old player was quoted this week saying that he hopes to finish his soccer career with a big World Cup victory for France. Zidane has already retired from the international scene once before after France`s dismal showing in the European Championships in Portugal in 2004.

Speaking to German football magazine Kicker, the Real Madrid talisman said: "It would be good if I could finish my international career in the French team with a big and beautiful success. I want to become World champion again - that`s my goal."

After the World Cup, though, Zidane is adamant he will not be making another u-turn and he also plans to retire from club football by the end of next season." It is absolutely certain. The World Cup is my last big challenge at that level. With Real Madrid I still have another year on my contract to go before 2007. And then I will decide, in total peace, what I will do," added the former World and European player of the year.