Higuain, who holds French nationality, caused a stir in November when rejecting Domenech's call-up for a France friendly against Greece.

But Domenech announced on Friday: "He told me clearly today after talks with him, his father in Madrid and after seeing (Real manager) Fabio Capello that he had chosen Argentine nationality and that his father had taken steps for him to obtain it.

"He said that he was Argentine, that all his family and friends were over there, that he'd always lived there and that he didn't feel French."

After the former River Plate star had turned a deaf ear to Domenech's November summons the France coach expressed the wish that in time the youngster would change his mind.

"I hope we'll be seeing him in the future. He's French so he's eligible for selection. I hope reason will win through in the end," the French coach said at the time.

Domenech said he now fully accepted Higuain's decision.

"We've had a proper explanation. I'm not going to fight him. From today the problem's solved and the shirt that he wants to wear is Argentine."

Higuain was signed by Real in December for a reported 13 million euros.

With the Real attacker out of the reckoning Domenech said his priority now was to focus on the players at his disposal for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"We're now able to concentrate on the French players who have so much quality and who want to play for France rather than waiting for something indefinite."

He added: "Our aim now is to prepare for the European Championships. I wanted to be finished with this. The matter's closed now."