France defender Lilian Thuram is to continue playing for his country after holding talks with national coach Raymond Domenech.

The 34-year-old Barcelona player made the announcement on French television this evening.

Domenech spoke with Thuram and Claude Makelele in an effort to convince them to continue their international careers.

He will unveil his squad for France's first two European Championship qualifying matches tomorrow.

France visit Georgia on September 2nd before hosting Italy at the Stade de France four days later in a rematch of the World Cup final.

No announcement has been made yet on Chelsea midfielder Makelele's international future.

Thuram is France's most experienced player with a record 121 caps. The 33-year-old Makelele has made 50 appearances for Les Bleus.

Thuram, who shelved his international career after France's disappointing campaign at Euro 2004, returned in August 2005 to help his country qualify for the World Cup.  Reuters