The 34-year-old, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup winning team, told RMC radio: "I've decided it's time to stop, although I'll be having a kickabout from time to time."

Karembeu, a native of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia in the Pacific, failed to sign with a new club following his departure from French side Bastia in June after the club was relegated to the second division.

He added: "I've no regrets, it's a decision I've thought long and hard about. I just want to try something else."

Karembeu first emerged at Nantes as a defender at the start of the 1990s before joining Italian side Sampdoria. He also had spells at Real Madrid and Olympiakos among other clubs.

He won 53 caps as a France international and scored one goal, in October 1995 in a 3-1 win against Romania.