Griezmann Retires from International Football

French World Cup winner and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has called time on his international career. The 31-year-old announced his international retirement in a video posted on his social media page, in which he looked back at his decade-long journey with the French national team.

His senior international debut came in March of 2014, and he has been a staple on the French national team ever since, starring as they won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He was invaluable throughout the tournament, coming up with decisive performances in the knockout stages, and contributed enormously to the 4-2 victory against Croatia in the final match, scoring from the penalty spot and creating two goals.

In his retirement message, Griezmann said, “After 10 incredible years which were full of challenges, achievements, and amazing moments, it is time to go and create space for the next generation.” He said that he always feels privileged to wear the French jersey and looking back at the number of memories he has with his teammates and the number of victories that he will always cherish in his heart.

Griezmann made his international breakthrough during the Euro 2016 where he won the Golden Boot, scoring six goals for France, who lost in the final to Portugal. However, Griezmann got his flowers two years later and was a key player in France’s second World Cup triumph.

During his later years with the national team, Griezmann has been shifted to play in the midfield to make way for Kylian Mbappe to play in the forward line. However, he continued to be an indispensable player for the French team up to and during the 2022 World Cup where he played a great role in pushing the team to the final. However, France lost the final to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Griezmann departs after playing 137 times for France and scoring 44 goals, which places him among France’s best all-time goal scorers. He has played for France more than any other player apart from Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram, which makes him one of the legends of French football.

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