Sarkozy 'snubbed' by sports star

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Former French football star Lilian Thuram has revealed he rejected an offer last year from President Nicolas Sarkozy to join the government.

Thuram, 37, told Le Monde newspaper he was offered the post of the minister for diversity.

"We had a long discussion [with Mr Sarkozy] but for obvious reasons I could only refuse," he said.

Thuram, who was born on France's island of Guadeloupe, has been critical of Mr Sarkozy's tough stance on immigration.

He has also frequently spoken out on issues such as racism and problems facing young people in modern France, following riots several years ago.

Heart condition

"Politics is something very noble, which does not tolerate approximation... These things should be learned. This is what I am doing now by meeting people of different views. One day, perhaps," Thuram said.

President Sarkozy's office has not commented on Thuram's interview.

The defender made 142 appearances for France, helping to win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

He retired from professional sport last year after being diagnosed with a heart condition.