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Former France midfielder Henri Michel dies at the age of 70

Former France midfielder Henri Michel has died at the age of 70, the French Footballers' Union (UNFP) has announced.

As a player, Michel led Nantes to three Ligue 1 titles and won 58 caps for his country before beginning a long and varied managerial career.

Under Michel's guidance, France won the Olympic title in 1984 in Los Angeles, and reached the World Cup semifinals two years later.

Michel went on to coach at a number of clubs and nations in Africa, including leading the Ivory Coast in their 2006 World Cup campaign.

The UNFP tweeted: "Henri Michel, a colossus of French Football, left us this morning in his 70th year. UNFP sends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.''