France veteran Sandra Le Drean has drawn the curtain on her impressive international career.

The 1.87m small forward, who played for Les Bleues last summer at the EuroBasket Women in Italy, said: "It's with great emotion and after much consideration that I have taken the decision to end my international career.

"I have had the joy and honor to represent my country for nearly 12 years and that was my priority every summer.

"But after more than 200 games, the time has come for me to pass the baton to a new generation, who I wish as many beautiful moments as the ones I have been lucky to experience, such as the Olympic Games in Sydney, the silver medal at the European Championship in 1999 and title of European Champions in 2001."

Le Drean, who turns 31 in May, averaged 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds last year in Italy, where France finished a disappointing eighth and missed out on a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.

New France coach Pierre Vincent expressed his disappointment over Le Drean's decision, insisting she could have helped the team when they attempt to qualify for EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia.

They have qualifying games this summer against Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, and Vincent said: "Naturally, I regret this decision. Sandra no longer feels ready for a new challenge, a new chapter with the France national team, even though I believe that she could still bring a lot.

"Nevertheless, I understand that it was a difficult choice, the accumulation of games eventually catches up with a player.

"For the national team you need a lot of energy."

Le Drean, a member of EuroLeague Women side ZVVZ Prague, added: "I would like to thank the coaches associated with this beautiful history, the medical staff and all the great players that I've shared this with.

"I thank my family for their support and their encouragement throughout the years because it would not have been possible without them."