PARIS - BAYERN Munich defender Willy Sagnol has announced his retirement from football because of a persistent Achilles' tendon problem.

The 31-year-old France defender told Canal Plus television on Sunday that he has pain in his tendon every day and that not even further surgery will cure the problem.

'Since April 2007, I have had several injuries, the knee and the Achilles' tendon. It took a long time to take this decision,' Sagnol told Canal Plus. 'I tried everything. I had to face up to the obvious.'

The decision was expected. Sagnol has hardly played for Bayern in the last season and a half because of various injuries.

Sagnol is the only member of Bayern's team that won the Champions League in 2001 still on the roster.

He had an operation after the 2008 European Championship, but it failed to solve the problem.

'Since then I have pain every day,' Sagnol said. 'Walking is difficult. Playing out on the pitch even more so. It's a realistic decision.'

Sagnol said he has no immediate plans for another role in football.

He joined Bayern in 2000 and played 184 games for the Bundesliga club. He still had another year on his contract.

Sagnol, who has 58 caps for France, last appeared for Les Bleus at Euro 2008. -- AP