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'End of an era' - France legend announces shock international retirement aged 33

France legend announces shock international retirement aged 33
© Imago
France striker Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing an end to a 10-year career for Les Bleus.

France striker Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing an end to a 10-year career for Les Bleus.

The Atletico Madrid forward made his debut for France in March 2014 and has since earned 137 caps, a number surpassed only by Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142).

Griezmann ranks fourth on Les Bleus' all-time leading goal-scorers list with 44 goals, trailing only record holder Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and current team captain Kylian Mbappe.

In the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow, he contributed to France's 4-2 victory over Croatia and had earlier aided the team in reaching the Euro 2016 final, finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with six goals.

The 33-year-old was also exceptional for Les Bleus during their journey to the 2022 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout in Qatar.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann on September 22, 2024© Imago

Griezmann calls time on his international career

Griezmann's final major tournament will be remembered less favourably, as both he and his team struggled to find their best form at Euro 2024, despite reaching the semi-finals.

On Monday, in a social media post, the now-former French vice-captain wrote: "It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.

"After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.

"Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege."

The 33-year-old's decision comes ahead of the upcoming international break in October when Didier Deschamps' side will face Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.

Commenting on the situation, Deschamps said: "Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history."

Raphael Varane in action for Como on August 11, 2024© Imago

The end of an era for French football

Griezmann made his initial appearance for France at the Under-19s level, and his senior debut came just 16 days before his 23rd birthday, a few months prior to the 2014 World Cup.

His last appearance for Les Bleus came in a UEFA Nations League win at home over Belgium earlier this month, and his decision to call time on his international career further illustrates that an era has come to an end for the French national team.

Lloris and Raphael Varane both stepped away from international football following the 2022 World Cup, with Varane retiring from football altogether last week at the age of just 31.

Giroud, meanwhile, retired from international duty following this year's Euros in Germany, where he only featured for 56 minutes in four appearances.

Deschamps is set to announce his next France squad this Thursday in preparation for Nations League matches against Israel in Budapest on October 10 and Belgium in Brussels four days later.

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