The summer of 2014 saw a multitude of star
footballers end their respective international careers. Some, such as
Xavi, called it quits after finding themselves no longer able to produce
on the highest level at the World Cup in Brazil. Others, such as
tournament-winner Philipp Lahm, decided to go out on a high note.
Although Xavi (34) and Miroslav Klose (36) had little left in the
tank when they retired, others hung up their international boots at a
time when they still had something left to offer. Lahm is not yet 31;
his Germany teammate Per Mertesacker is still short of 30. In addition
to the pair, Franck Ribery
(31) announced his retirement from the French national team before he
hit the near-inevitable, sharp decline that comes with advanced age.Although the loss of Lahm and Mertesacker came with no protest from the German camp, UEFA President Michel Platini did not take Ribery's decision very well. In a recent interview with Bild (h/t ESPN), the France legend claimed that Ribery is obligated to represent his country if called upon.
"If [France coach Didier] Deschamps calls him up, then he has to come to the national team," the UEFA president said.
Platini claimed legal support for his assertion and went as far as claiming that Ribery could be suspended from competition at Bayern Munich if he refuses to turn out for the French team:
"That's written in the FIFA statutes. If he doesn't report for duty, then he would be banned for three matches for Bayern Munich."
It's understandable that Platini would be disappointed in his compatriot. Euro 2016 will be hosted in France, and the UEFA president naturally would prefer to have the best French player since Zinedine Zidane turn out for the tournament on home soil. The way Platini has expressed his opinion, however, is foolish and unprofessional.
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