Antoine Griezmann: France's World Cup winner announces retirement from international football - 'I close this chapter'
Published 30/09/2024 at 11:06 GMT+1
Antoine Griezmann has decided to call time on his international career with France. The Atletico Madrid forward released a video on his social media account on Monday where he announced the decision to hang up his boots on the international stage. Griezmann played with the French national team for a decade and will be remembered for helping them lift the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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Atletico Madrid forward and World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann has announced that he will retire from international football.
The Frenchman released a video on his social media account on Monday where he said it was "time for me to turn the page and make way for the next generation".
Griezmann's last game for France came in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where Didier Deschamps' side suffered a disappointing defeat to eventual winners Spain.
The 33-year-old spent a decade playing for Les Bleus with his debut coming in March 2014, playing 137 matches for his national team and scoring 44 goals in the process.
The pinnacle of his international career came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where France were crowned world champions for the first time since 1998.
"Today, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from the French national team," Griezmann said in an online video.
"After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn the page and make way for the new generation.
"Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege. Since March 2014 and until last September, I had the opportunity to experience incredible moments alongside exceptional teammates. We shared victories that will remain forever engraved in our memories."
Griezmann enjoyed a breakout tournament for his national team when France hosted Euro 2016. Playing as a striker, Griezmann won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals.
It was a painful ending to the tournament as Griezmann and France were unable to overcome Portugal in the final, losing 1-0 after extra-time.
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France bounced back from their Euros heartbreak by winning the World Cup two years later in Russia, with Griezmann playing a key role in his nation's success.
Griezmann played every match at the tournament and saved his best performances for the knockouts, where he either scored or assisted a goal in every match.
The Atleti man scored from the penalty spot and assisted two more goals in the final as France cruised to a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Griezmann continued to play an important role for France at tournaments as he was asked to play a deeper role in midfield with Kylian Mbappe becoming the focal point up front.
Griezmann's stellar displays at the 2022 World Cup helped France reach back-to-back finals, where they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina.
From his decade on the international stage, Griezmann is fourth in the men's all-time scorer list, and only Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram have made more appearances than him.
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