PARIS (AP) - Former France defender Lilian Thuram has a heart problem that will delay a move to Paris Saint-Germain and could end his career.
There had been strong speculation linking the 36-year-old FC Barcelona defender to the Paris club.
But at a press conference Friday, Thuram said medical tests found that he has an enlarged heart that would prevent him from signing for PSG at the moment.
Thuram's brother died of cardiac problems.
Tests will now be conducted in July to see if Thuram can continue to play football.
Thuram is France's record holder with 142 appearances but he appeared sluggish at the European Championship. He retired from international soccer after France's elimination from Euro 2008.
His last game for Les Bleus ended in a 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands on June 13, and he sat out the 2-0 loss to Italy four days later.
Thuram rarely featured for Barcelona last season, starting only 17 league games. He previously played in Italy's Serie A for Juventus, Parma and started his career at Monaco. He joined Barcelona after a standout performance at the 2006 World Cup.
But at a press conference Friday, Thuram said medical tests found that he has an enlarged heart that would prevent him from signing for PSG at the moment.
Thuram's brother died of cardiac problems.
Tests will now be conducted in July to see if Thuram can continue to play football.
Thuram is France's record holder with 142 appearances but he appeared sluggish at the European Championship. He retired from international soccer after France's elimination from Euro 2008.
His last game for Les Bleus ended in a 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands on June 13, and he sat out the 2-0 loss to Italy four days later.
Thuram rarely featured for Barcelona last season, starting only 17 league games. He previously played in Italy's Serie A for Juventus, Parma and started his career at Monaco. He joined Barcelona after a standout performance at the 2006 World Cup.