Sylvain Distin insists Everton will not give up on European qualification

French defender Sylvain Distin displayed wonderful self-deprecation by retiring from international football without earning a cap for his country.

Pre and post World Cup sees a flurry of retirements, with Ashley Cole the most high profile player to call time on his international career after failure to make England’s squad for Rio.

Everton’s central defender Distin spotted the opportunity to announce his retirement in the same manner as Cole, on Twitter, despite the fact he has never turned out for his country at senior level.

"I'm retiring from France team. It was a wonderful experience and after a record of #0 cap it's time to say goodbye and focus on my club," he said.

The tweet was well received with more than 2,000 retweets in ten minutes.

I m retiring from France team. It was a wonderful experience and after a record of #0 cap it's time to say goodbye and focus on my club

Online Editors