A few eyebrows were raised when, in 2003, Fabien Barthez chose to leave Manchester United for Marseille, the club where it all began for him.

Admittedly the goalkeeper was no longer first choice at Old Trafford, but some felt he had taken a soft option by ending his career in a town where he will be loved regardless of the level of his performances.

In 1993, Barthez wrote himself into football folklore by keeping the mighty AC Milan at bay to help Marseille become the first French club to win the European Cup. The people of Phocéen City have never forgotten it.

Barthez, though, quickly proved he had not moved to Provence merely to soak up rays. His performances in the 2003-04 UEFA Cup were heroic - if somewhat tarnished by his red card against Valencia in the Final.

The veteran 'keeper's form dipped in 2004-05 and his season ended prematurely when he was banned for six months for spitting at a referee during a friendly match in Morocco on February 12. Barthez was quick to dismiss reports that he could retire, insisting that he would come back stronger than ever in the 2005-06 season. His principal motivation was keeping his place in the France side for the 2006 World Cup.

Born in Lavelanet, Barthez began his professional career at Toulouse, whom he represented 21 times in the 1991-92 season. Three seasons at Marseille (1992-1995) were then followed by five at Monaco where he won two championship medals (in 1997 and 2000).

There was more silverware at United, with Premiership winner's medals in 2001 and 2003 and a League Cup medal in 2003.

However, Barthez's crowning moments came in 1998 and 2000 when he kept goal for Les Bleus during their successful World Cup and European Championship campaigns. After making his debut for Les Bleus in a 1-0 win over Australia in 1994, Barthez has been first choice for over a decade and is widely regarded as one of the best custodians France has ever had.