France forward Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.
He ends his international career with 137 senior caps and 44 goals, making him his country’s joint-third highest appearance maker and fourth top scorer.
Griezmann was a key part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning side and won the silver boot and bronze ball at the tournament.
He has enjoyed an international career spanning 10 years and has represented his country at six major tournaments.
“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann wrote on social media. “Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon.”
Didier Deschamps explained Griezmann’s decision had come after a lengthy decision between the pair. He paid tribute to the forward’s selflessness and called him “one of the greatest” players in France’s history.
C’est avec le cœur plein de souvenirs que je clos ce chapitre de ma vie. Merci pour cette magnifique aventure tricolore et à bientôt. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/qpw8dvdtFt
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) September 30, 2024
“After long and careful consideration, Antoine has decided to put an end to his magnificent international career,” Deschamps said.
“Antoine was and will remain a monument to French football, one of the greatest players in its history. In addition to his 44 goals and 30 assists, his contribution to the results we have achieved over the last decade is immense. Driven by a collective spirit at all times and a selflessness that is rare among attacking players, Antoine has always been a credit to football and the blue jersey.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”
The Atletico Madrid forward made his international debut against the Netherlands in February 2014 and was later included in Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup later that year.
He scored six goals in seven appearances at Euro 2016, including twice in the semi-final victory over Germany. France were ultimately beaten by Portugal in the final, but Griezmann was named player of the tournament and won the golden boot.
France went one better at the World Cup two years later and Griezmann provided four goals and two assists at the tournament. He was named player of the match following his performance in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final.
France reached the World Cup final again in Qatar four years later, with Griezmann providing three assists across the tournament and being named player of the match following the semi-final victory over Morocco.
In 2024, he played in a record-breaking 84th successive international match. He was included in France’s Euro 2024 squad and featured six times at the tournament as Deschamps’ side reached the semi-finals.
Speaking after his side’s semi-final exit to Spain, where he was introduced from the bench for the final 28 minutes, Griezmann was asked about his potential retirement and said he was aiming to represent France at the 2026 World Cup.
His final appearance for his country came from the bench during France’s Nations League victory over Belgium in September.
France team-mate and fellow 2018 World Cup-winner Olivier Giroud also retired from international football after Euro 2024.
(Top photo: Olivier Chassignole/ AFP)
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