Lilian Thuram will not play in a PSG jersey. The France record cap earner announced the news in a special press conference at the Parc des Princes on Friday.

“I’ve decided to retire from professional football, even if the heart problem that was detected is not an illness. I have a thick heart, but I have no genetic heart problem, such as the one my mother has. I still have to undergo further examinations in September,” explained France’s record cap earner at the Parc des Princes. “It’s with great sadness that I made this decision. A decision I made in part, to avoid hurting my loved ones. I didn’t want to play with the doubt in my mind that would not be 100 per cent. I think I’ve made the right decision,” added the former Barcelona ace.

« “I’ll still be coming to PSG, but only in the stands, as a supporter. And I hope the team has a good season. The latest signings of Ludovic Giuly and Claude Makelele are a step in that direction. I was totally convinced by PSG project for the future, even if it would only have been a short-term involvement for me. I had decided to join Paris and right my name into the history of the club, like a Maldini,” he continued. As for his future, and despite an offer from the French Football Federation, Lilian Thuram has made no further decision. “We’ll see about that later.”

Before signing for the capital club in June, the player underwent a medical examination which revealed an cardiac anomaly. Last week, Charles Villeneuve, declared: “It’s more than likely that Lilian will retire. His sisters and all his family want him to stop. I don’t see the point in taking risks with your health at 36 years of age and after such a magnificent career.”