- France legend Antoine Griezmann, 33, has retired from international football
- He scored 44 goals in 137 games for Les Bleus and lifted the World Cup in 2018
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Antoine Griezmann has called time on his decade-long international career with France.
The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid forward announced his decision via Instagram on Monday.
He said in a video: ‘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.’
Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football with France
Griezmann, 33, declared: ‘It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life’
After making his debut against the Netherlands in March 2014, Griezmann went on to score 44 goals in 137 appearances for Les Bleus.
Only Olivier Giroud (57), Thierry Henry (51) and Kylian Mbappe (48) have scored more goals than Griezmann in the history of the France men’s national team.
Meanwhile, only Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142) have received more caps for France – Giroud is currently level with Griezmann on 137.
Griezmann won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018 after scoring in a 4-2 win over Croatia in the final.
He also played in the 2022 final, which France lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Griezmann won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 but was part of a France side that were beaten 1-0 by Portugal in the final.
However, he achieved European success in 2021 when France triumphed at the UEFA Nations League Finals.
Griezmann pictured kissing the World Cup trophy after helping France beat Croatia in 2018
He also got his hands on the UEFA Nations League trophy after France beat Spain in 2021
Griezmann’s last appearance for France was earlier this month when he came off the bench in a 2-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League.
France’s first game of the post-Griezmann era will be against Israel on October 10. That is officially a home game for Israel but it will be held in Budapest, Hungary.
