Domenech looks for new engagement as national divorce looms

Beleagured France coach Raymond Domenech sought solace in his personal life on Tuesday as he publicly proposed to his girlfriend on French television just moments after his side had ignominously exited Euro 2008 at the first hurdle with a 2-0 defeat by Italy.

The 56-year-old swatted aside a question about his professional future with the French side a little more deftly and movingly than his side had on the pitch in their three Group C matches, to propose to his long-time girlfriend Estelle Denis, a television presenter.

“I have only one plan at the moment, it is to marry Estelle, and it is only this evening that I ask for her hand in marriage,” said Domenech, who had been asked about whether he felt he had a future as France coach.

“I know that it is difficult, but it is in moments like these that one has need of everyone, and I need her.”

Domenech, whose contract runs till 2010 and has been in charge since 2004 having guided them to the 2006 World Cup final, did eventually reply to the question about his professional future.

“I am not asking myself that question, as it is a political problem.

“This team has a future, it has a real plan, there are young players coming through, there is something really interesting to do.

“It is a political problem and I have never dabbled in anything other than sporting matters.”