Petit calls time on illustrious career

'Never again'
Petit, who has been without a club since his departure from Chelsea FC last summer, told French sports daily L'Equipe that he had decided to call time on an illustrious career "shortly before Christmas". He said: "I knew straight away it was over. I felt as though I'd never again be able to reach that physical level required to be a professional footballer."

EURO success
Petit's international debut at the age of 19 against Poland on 15 August 1990 was an inauspicious one as an uninspired game finished goalless. A decade later, however, he was part of the Les Bleus side which followed up their World Cup triumph on home soil with another at UEFA EURO 2000™. In all, he scored six goals in 63 appearances for his country.

Club honours
Born in Normandy, Petit played for AS Monaco FC between 1985 and 1997, winning the French Cup in 1991 and the championship in 1997. He was enticed to London by his mentor at Monaco, Arsène Wenger, and soon helped Arsenal FC to a Premiership and FA Cup double. His spells with FC Barcelona and Chelsea were less successful, however.

Small regret
"Overall, I'm very proud of my career," concluded Petit. "My only regret is having to put an end to my career because of an injury, like Marco van Basten or Glenn Hoddle."