Lassana Diarra has insisted his international career is over and explained the reasons he feels he was overlooked by France coaches Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps.
In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.
Clement Chantome has replaced the injured Lassana Diarra in France's squad for the friendly with Japan and the Brazil 2014 qualifier against Spain after the latter injured his back playing for Anzhi Makhachkala on the weekend.
Lassana Diarra has been included in Didier Deschamps' 23-man France squad for their friendly against Japan and FIFA World Cup qualifier with holders Spain this month.
Michael Essien expressed his happiness at bring reunited with the man he calls 'daddy', after the Chelsea midfielder sealed a loan move to Real Madrid to work alongside Jose Mourinho again.
Despite having started during the past three matches Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra believes his future at Los Merengues remains uncertain beyond the January transfer window.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
