Former France international Steve Mandanda announced on Wednesday that he would end his 20-year professional career with immediate effect. His contract with Rennes expired this summer and he has been a free agent since then.

"It took me some time to accept retirement," Mandanda told L'Equipe. "But I have decided to end my playing career now."

"I thought about it for a long time and received many invitations," Mandanda added, "but I rejected them every time." According to French media reports, he received invitations from many clubs this summer, including Le Havre, Lorient, Guingamp, Brest, Montpellier and others.

Mandanda, 40, came through the youth academy at Le Havre and made his professional debut for the first team on December 11, 2004. At club level, he played for Le Havre, Marseille, Crystal Palace and Rennes, making 797 appearances and keeping 257 clean sheets, winning one Ligue 1 title, three Coupe de la Ligue titles and two Trophées de la Superieurs.

Mandanda also served as France's backup goalkeeper for a long time. By the end of his international career in January 2023, he had made 35 appearances for France, keeping 14 clean sheets and winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League with the team.

Regarding his decision to retire, Mandanda said in a statement: "Today, I turn a new page in my life. After more than two decades of competition, I have decided to end my professional career."

"From Le Havre, Marseille, Crystal Palace to Rennes, from my debut to my final departure, I am very proud to have defended the honor of my club and to have won the World Cup with the French national team."

"More than trophies, I cherish those values, those encounters, those touching moments... Without their dedication and sacrifice, and without the friends and family who have stood by me every step of the way, none of this would have been possible. I can't name everyone by name, but I'm sure you all know. Your trust and support have always been a pillar of support for me, in both joy and adversity."

"Thank you to all the fans who supported me, especially the Marseille fans - you made my last match an unforgettable moment."

"Football has given me everything. Today, I close this chapter with pride, gratitude and peace, and look to the future with enthusiasm. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."