Lilian Thuram has tipped Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra to fill his boots as a leader of France for years to come.
Thuram quit football for good on Friday after the discovery of a defect in his heart, but the 36-year-old, who made a record 142 appearances for France, believes Les Bleus are in safe hands with the likes of Diarra around.
When asked which player of the new generation could go on to be a leader for France for the next 10 years, Thuram said: "I believe a lot in Lassana Diarra.
injury problems
"He is someone who can bring something else. He is a midfielder, and that role requires character. He can help other players around him."
Diarra, who moved to Portsmouth from Arsenal midway through last season, is a favourite of France coach Raymond Domenech.
The utility midfielder's international prospects will improve with the recent retirement of Claude Makelele and the continuing injury problems suffered by captain Patrick Vieira.
