Dessa Hints At Retirement
Last updated : 16 November 2003 By Liam Corbett
Chelsea and France captain Marcel Desailly has hinted that he may hang up those massive boots of his at the end of this current season.
Desailly, 35, told the Sunday Mirror of his lack of enthusiasm for training, something he used to relish. He claims, however, to still find a lot of pleasure on the football pitch.
'The Rock' signed a one year extension to his Chelsea contract in the eventful summer, contracting him to the Blues until 2005.
"What does a contract mean when you are looking at a career? Practically nothing, " Desailly told the Mirror.
"If I have to stop, I'll do so without any bother. I want to go on to other things even if I've signed until 2005.
"I am beginning to tire of everything"
"Training does not please me every day. There are mornings when I don't want to go.
"I stubbornly maintain to my wife that I won't go and get shot down in flames for the umpteenth time by a manager that is constantly on my tracks.
"I go in the end because I don't have a choice. I am obliged to do so, especially because I do still find pleasure on the pitch.
"But as with all jobs there is a weariness beginning to show through.
"Too much weariness will make me stop. Physical limits can push you into retirement, but it's the mind that goes first.
"If this season goes well, if my body and mind follow, then I will continue.
"My final challenges? Taking this Chelsea team in hand for a last season and having a good European Championships."
Whatever happens with Desailly, he has surely been one the our greatest ever captains and leaders, and is still, in my eyes at least, our most gifted defender.
