SAINT-ETIENNE, France Aime Jacquet, who coached France to World Cup glory, said Friday he will retire from soccer when he leaves his current post as technical director of the French Football Federation. In an interview with regional newspaper La Tribune-Le Progres, Jacquet said that he received offers to take over several top European clubs before his World Cup success ``and even more afterwards.'' But he said his coaching days were behind him.

``I turned them down without entering into discussions,'' Jacquet was quoted as saying. Jacquet will spend this weekend celebrating the World Cup win in Sail-Sous-Couzan, a village of just over 1,000 people in southeastern France where he grew up. About 20,000 people are expected to pay homage to Jacquet. France won the World Cup for the first time in its history on July 12, beating Brazil 3-0.

(AP)