I won't be going to the Euro, says Makalele

There was controversy surrounding Makelele last month when he was forced back to play for Les Bleus by France coach Raymond Domenech after his international retirement announcement at the World Cup.

The 33-year-old player, who originally bended to Domenech's wishes, has decided he will not participate in the competition.

"For me there's no question, I won't be going to the Euro," he told L'Equipe newspaper.

"I think I'm already fulfilling a reasonable objective by helping them to qualify."

The Chelsea player agreed to participate in the qualifiers only after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho shocked media by saying the Frenchman was being treated like 'a slave.'

While Makelele found Domenech unsympathetic, even after Mourinho's barrage, he is now confident the French coach will be more agreeable.

"I think he will probably accept my decision," said the defensive midfielder who was capped 52 times by his country.

"All I want is that France qualify so that I can walk away from the national squad in peace," he added.