Yannick Noah has apologised for criticising the France team after last month’s defeat in the Davis Cup final.

The 54-year-old, who captained France to Davis Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1996, questioned the preparations carried out by skipper Arnaud Clement after Roger Federer’s Switzerland upset the cup favourites in Lille.

Noah suggested he was ready to resume the role of captain, but Clement was handed a new two-year deal despite the loss and admitted he was 'shocked' by the criticism.

Asked about his outburst, Noah told beIN Sports TV: “Okay - there we go that's an end to it. Excuse-me, sorry, sorry, the next time I will keep my mouth shut, say nothing for several years."

"I just expressed an opinion that was shared by the majority of the people who were in the stadium (in Lille). And when I said that, I was not having a go at anyone. I was just watching a tennis match.

"I have no desire to become captain again. That is not at all what I am about."

The French line-up included top men's trio Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet.

But Tsonga was hampered by an arm injury and Swiss stars Federer and Stan Wawrinka helped to open up a winning 3-1 lead.