Loko reaches final destination

Move rejected
Loko, who was capped 26 times, left AC Ajaccio as a free agent in June but has decided not to sign for another club. He said: "Several Ligue 2 sides enquired about me but nothing concrete was agreed." And although an Italian Serie B team, an Irish Premier Division side and several clubs in the Middle East were interested, Loko added: "I did not want to uproot my family for one year. So the best decision is to stop."

Nantes honour
Sully-sur-Loire born Loko made his league debut with FC Nantes Atlantique in April 1989, impressing with his solo runs and deadly finishing. He first played for France in Israel in February 1993. In 1994/95 he top-scored in Ligue 1 with 22 goals as Nantes won their first championship in 12 years.

European title
Loko then switched to Paris Saint-Germain FC, helping them lift the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1995/96. That summer, he was ever-present in the France team that reached the EURO '96™ semi-finals, staying in the side until his final international in June 1997 against England. A family tragedy subsequently led Loko to be treated for depression, and he left the capital, loaned to FC Lorient in 1998/99.

Further clubs
The next season he joined Montpellier Hérault SC, and over the following five years had spells with Olympique Lyonnais, ES Troyes Aube Champagne and Lorient. In January 2004, Loko made his last move, joining Ajaccio, and his farewell appearance in the top flight was as a last-minute substitute against FC Metz in May.

Future plans
Loko, who said his main regret was "not having played abroad", will take a break before deciding on his future, but may work for younger brother William, himself a former player and now an agent.