Claude Makelele is set to retire from football after the Euro 2008 championships next year despite having one more year left on his contract at Chelsea, according to reports in The Express today.Makelele joined the London club in 2003 from Real Madrid for a fee of £16.8 million, and the France international has proved a good buy for the blues. The 34 year old captained the side on several occasions and has become a fan favourite at the club. However this season the Chelsea number 4 has struggled to get his place in the line up with the presence of Essien and Obi Mikel.
The former Real Madrid man was part of the the France side which came second in last year's World Cup after returning from international retirement along with Zidane and Thuram. Makelele's tireless performances were vital to the France side's progress in the competition.
But now it seems as though we might see the last of the defensive midfielder this Summer. I think I speak for most football fans when I say that he will be greatly missed as a player.
