The experienced midfielder is set for his swansong at international level in Austria and Switzerland.

Makelele has intended to bring the curtain down on his career with France twice before. In September 2004 the midfielder stepped down from Les Bleus' squad to focus fully on his club career with Chelsea.

However he was persuaded to return to the France squad, along with Lilian Thuram and Zinedine Zidane, prior to the 2006 World Cup. In this tournament Makelele's tireless midfield work helped Les Bleus to the final where they lost on penalties to Italy.

After this match Makelele had planned to retire from international football once more. Once again, however, his international career continued as Raymond Domenech vowed to continue picking the midfielder.

And his faith in Makelele has been reward as the Chelsea player played in all bar one of France's qualifying matches for Euro 2008.

At club level Makelele has won league titles in France, Spain and England as well as the 2002 Champions League with Real Madrid. However he will be hoping to bounce back at Euro 2008 after Chelsea's defeat in this year's Champions League final to Manchester United.