Defender Lilian Thuram and midfielder Claude Makelele announced their international retirements after France [Images] were eliminated from Euro 2008 [Images] following their 2-0 defeat by Italy on Tuesday.

- Images: Italy vs France

The 36-year-old Thuram, who won a record 142 caps but did not play on Tuesday, was the only member of the Euro 2008 squad to have started the 3-0 final win over Brazil [Images] at the 1998 World Cup.

"That's the end of my career for France and of a very important part of my life," Thuram told reporters. "There's a lot of sadness."

Makelele, 35, won his 71st cap in the Group C game.

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"This tournament was my last for France," he said.

Widely regarded as one of the world's best holding midfielders, Makelele never won a major trophy for France.

His best achievement was being part of the team defeated by Italy [Images] at the 2006 World Cup final in Germany [Images].

"To have been allowed to wear France's colours, that's my trophy," said Makelele.