UPDATE 1-NEWSMAKER-Soccer-Barthez playing career now looks over

(Adding Barthez quotes)

By Patrick Vignal

PARIS, April 30 (Reuters) - Fabien Barthez's flamboyant career has almost certainly ended with a controversial exit in keeping with one of the world's best but most eccentric goalkeepers.

The former world and European champion had a fight with a Nantes fan after a home defeat on Saturday, turned in the keys to his club house and drove out of the Atlantic port city with his family in his car en route to an unknown destination.

The 35-year-old said on Monday he had left Nantes because he feared for his safety and would not return.

"I will not play for Nantes again," Barthez told French radio France Info. "This has got nothing to do with football. I no longer feel safe there and it's better for me to leave."

Olympique Marseille coach Albert Emon, who knows Barthez well, strongly suggested the goalkeeper's career was now over.

"It's sad, it's something very personal. He's had a great career. You can't take that away from him. He's been one of the best keepers in the world," said Emon, who was an assistant coach when Barthez played for Marseille.

Barthez was hailed as a saviour when he came out of retirement in mid-December to help Nantes in their bid to escape relegation.