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Cape Town - Frederic Michalak has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season after 20 years as a professional.
Michalak will end his career as France's all-time leading scorer with 436 points from 77 caps and helped his country win the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2002, 2004 and 2010 - as well as competing in three World Cups.
The 35-year-old will hang up his boots at the end of the current Top 14 season with Lyon.
Speaking to Le 10 Sport, he said: "After a long period of reflection and despite an offer from a club, I am calling an end to my career at the end of this season.
"I still want to play but it will be the same situation if I push on for a year. It is not mental, it is the body which says to stop.
"You have to know when to stop. I am 35 and it is starting to become more and more difficult. I told myself this year is the right time to finish."
His illustrious club career saw him play for his hometown club, Toulouse, Toulon and Lyon as well as two spells in South Africa with the Sharks.
Michalak has ended his international career after France's 62-13 defeat by New Zealand in the quarter-final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
