Following France's elimination from Euro 2008, veterans Lilian Thuram, 36, and Claude Makélélé, 35, confirmed their international retirement.
The Chelsea player Makélélé wrapped up his career in a disappointing 2-0 defeat by world champions Italy.
While Thuram did not play in the Italy match after starting the two previous matches.
Les Bleus were dropped out of the competition finished bottom of the 'Group of Death' with two defeats, one draw and no wins.
Thuram and Makélélé had retired from international football after Euro 2004.
Both players returned along with Zinedine Zidane to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup and then reach the final, which they lost to Italy on penalty shoot-out.
Thuram finishes his international career with 142 caps and two goals, both scored in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
The former Juventus, Parma and Monaco defender also hold the European Championship appearances record with 16 matches.
Thuram is determined to keep playing professionally, although he is without a club after being released by Barcelona.
The 36-year-old is wanted by French club Paris Saint Germain but is thought to be intense on a political career.
France need to rebuilding their squad as Makélélé and his fellow veteran certain that a new generation, includes Jérémy Toulalan, Alou Diarra and Philippe Mexès, can take the reins and come together.
Makélélé earned 71 caps but did not manage to score for his country.
Others old crack such as the injured captain Patrick Vieira and goalkeeper Grégory Coupet are thought to be considering retirement.
France's all-time leading scorer, Thierry Henry, admitted he has considered the possibility of retiring as well, but he wasn't going to take an instant decision and insisted it may be a while yet before he set for retirement.
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The Chelsea player Makélélé wrapped up his career in a disappointing 2-0 defeat by world champions Italy.
While Thuram did not play in the Italy match after starting the two previous matches.
Les Bleus were dropped out of the competition finished bottom of the 'Group of Death' with two defeats, one draw and no wins.
Thuram and Makélélé had retired from international football after Euro 2004.
Both players returned along with Zinedine Zidane to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup and then reach the final, which they lost to Italy on penalty shoot-out.
Thuram finishes his international career with 142 caps and two goals, both scored in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
The former Juventus, Parma and Monaco defender also hold the European Championship appearances record with 16 matches.
Thuram is determined to keep playing professionally, although he is without a club after being released by Barcelona.
The 36-year-old is wanted by French club Paris Saint Germain but is thought to be intense on a political career.
France need to rebuilding their squad as Makélélé and his fellow veteran certain that a new generation, includes Jérémy Toulalan, Alou Diarra and Philippe Mexès, can take the reins and come together.
Makélélé earned 71 caps but did not manage to score for his country.
Others old crack such as the injured captain Patrick Vieira and goalkeeper Grégory Coupet are thought to be considering retirement.
France's all-time leading scorer, Thierry Henry, admitted he has considered the possibility of retiring as well, but he wasn't going to take an instant decision and insisted it may be a while yet before he set for retirement.
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