PARIS: France’s 2018 World Cup-winning star Antoine Griezmann on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing to an end a 10-year career with his country.

“It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life,” France vice-captain Griezmann, 33, wrote on X.

“It is with profound emotion that I am announcing my retirement as a France player, after 10 incredible years,” he added in a video accompanying his message.

“It is time for me today to turn a page and hand over to the new generation.”

The Atletico Madrid forward made his France debut in March 2014 and won 137 caps, a figure beaten only by his former team-mate Hugo Lloris (145) and World Cup winner Lilian Thuram (142).

Griezmann is also fourth in France’s list of all-time goal-scorers with 44, behind only record marksman Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and current captain Kylian Mbappe.

Griezmann scored in France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the final of the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, having previously helped his country reach the final of Euro 2016, a tournament he ended as top scorer with six goals.

Griezmann was also outstanding for Les Bleus on their run to the 2022 World Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Argentina in Qatar.

He also played at the 2014 World Cup and at Euro 2020, as well as helping France win the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

France coach Didier Deschamps said in a message shared by national team staff that he felt “a lot of emotion” on hearing the news.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2024