Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has quit the France national team after falling out with coach Jacques Santini.
Petit said: "I know that when I am at peak fitness I am worth my place in the France team or at least in the squad. I took the decision against my own heart but it seemed the best thing to do. I sense that the French team is not led by the man it needs."
Petit continued: "Since my operation [on May 15] we have practically not spoken. And in my rare discussions with Jacques Santini my situation has never been clarified.
"At 32 I would like a more clear statement. He is someone who has difficulties taking on his responsibilities. He lets time and events dictate things. In this sense I am doing him a service."
Petit won his first cap in 1990 and has played for Les Bleus 63 times, featuring in the golden age of French football by winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles.
Santini has all but qualified France for Euro 2004 and won the Confederations Cup in his year-long tenure in the job.