France forward and former World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international duty at the age of 33, APA reports citing Independent.
A central part of France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, Griezmann also lit up several other major tournaments for Les Bleus as part of a glittering international career.
The Atletico Madrid attacker retires as France’s third-most capped player with 137 appearances for the national team, while he scored 44 goals - which is the fourth-most for France.
Griezmann was man of the match in the 2018 World Cup final as France beat Croatia to win the tournament for the second time and was the top scorer at Euro 2016, where they were runners-up.
Griezmann dropped into a deeper midfield role for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was a revelation for Didier Deschamps’ side, and won the silver ball behind Lionel Messi after Argentina beat France in the final.
“Today, it is with deep emotion that I’m announcing my retirement as a player of the France team,” said Griezmann, who played a French record of 84 consecutive matches for Les Bleus between November 2016 and March 2024.
“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.”
Griezmann made five appearances for France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but the forward became a mainstay of the team ahead of Euro 2016, which was hosted by France.
He scored six goals as France reached the final in Paris, netting in the last-16 win over Ireland, quarter-final victory against Iceland and both goals in the 2-0 win over Germany.
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