France welcomes Barthez back

The returns of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Argentinian playmaker Marcelo Gallardo added spice to the weekend's French Cup ties.

Dramatic leap
The 35-year-old Barthez announced his retirement from football back in October 2006 but he returned to Ligue 1 to help FC Nantes Atlantique overcome EA Guingamp 1-0 on Saturday, celebrating a victory earned by Nicolas Savinaud's added-time goal with a leap into the waiting arms of his defenders.

'Worthy test'
"It was a relief when we scored after such a tense game," admitted the 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper, who will now look to save his team from relegation. "I retired because I had no proper challenges left but what Nantes president Rudi Roussillon suggested to me was a proper test," he added. "I am three or four games short of my best shape."

French return
Gallardo, meanwhile, returned to French action after a three-and-a-half season break as Paris Saint-Germain FC won 3-0 against Nîmes Olympique SC on Sunday. A French champion with AS Monaco FC in 1999/00, the 32-year-old - nicknamed El Muñeco (The Doll) because of his tiny frame - has returned to Ligue 1 from CA River Plate to help flagging PSG.

'Hard work'
He looked disappointed after he was substituted 66 minutes into his return. "I'd have preferred to play a little longer," he said. With PSG lying 16th in Ligue 1, domestic issues may be a priority for the club, but Gallardo will be hoping to see action as his side take on AEK Athens FC in the UEFA Cup Round of 32. "The hard work starts now," he added.

Šmicer returns
Meanwhile, a less celebrated comeback saw Czech midfielder Vladimír Šmicer play his first game for FC Girondins de Bordeaux since 26 February last year following a long battle with knee and thigh injuries. "I was more than happy to get a chance to play," he said after Bordeaux's 2-0 win against SC Bastia.