- By Himanshu Badola
- Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
France's 2018 World Cup-winning Griezmann made a surprising call as he suddenly announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Having made his debut way back in 2014, Griezmann went on to bring an end to a 10-year stellar career with his national team.
“It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life,” France vice-captain Griezmann, wrote on X.
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
The 33-year-old played his first match for the Les Blues in March 2014 in a friendly fixture against the Netherlands. He played for 68 minutes in that match.
He represented France in 137 matches, only behind his former teammate Hugo Lloris (145) and 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram (142) in terms of international appearances.
Griezmann finished his international career as fourth in the list of France's all-time top scorers.
Having netted 44 times, the veteran forward is only behind Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and current captain Kylian Mbappe.
Griezmann played a key role in France's World Cup win in 2018 in Russia and also scored in their 4-2 win over Croatia in the final.
He also smashed six goals in helping France reach the final of Euro 2016 which they lost to Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
The Atletico Madrid star was also brilliant in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where France lost the final against Lionel Messi's Argentina on penalties.
His last major tournament Euro 2024 didn't go as well as expected as his side failed to make it to the semi-finals despite being one of the favourites.
The dynamic footballer made his final appearance for France in a UEFA Nations League win at home against Belgium earlier this month.
While veterans like Lloris, Raphael Varane and Giroud already have called the time upon their respective careers, Griezmann's decision has confirmed that an era has come to an end for the French side.
Coach Didier Deschamps will name his next France squad this Thursday ahead of Nations League matches against Israel in Budapest on October 10 and Belgium in Brussels four days later.
Antoine Griezmann: Individual honours with France
French Player of the Year - 2016
FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball - 2018
FIFA World Cup Silver Boot - 2018
FIFA World Cup top assist provider - 2022
