France Forward Antoine Griezmann Retires From International Football

ANKARA, Sept 30 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- France forward Antoine Griezmann retired from international football on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported.

"Today, it is with deep emotion that I announce my retirement as a player for the France team," Atletico Madrid's Griezmann said in a video on X.

"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," the 33-year-old said and adding that it was "an honour and a privilege" to wear the France jersey.

"From March 2014 until last September, I had the chance to experience incredible moments alongside exceptional teammates," Griezmann said and thanked his teammates for the "precious souvenirs" that he had with the French national team.

He also thanked the French fans and national team staff as well as France head coach Didier Deschamps.

The experienced forward made his France debut in the Deschamps era as Griezmann helped Les Bleus win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Deschamps' France beat Croatia 4-2 in the Moscow final to be the world champions.

Griezmann, a former Real Sociedad and Barcelona forward, scored 44 goals in 137 matches for France.

He scored six goals to be the EURO 2016's top scorer but host nation France were the runners-up after losing to Portugal in the final.

Griezmann played at the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. However, Lionel Messi led-Argentina beat France on penalties to secure the world title.

France thanked Griezmann for his longtime "dedication and loyalty."

"... Thank you for the finesse, thank you for the passion, thank you for the memories Antoine Griezmann," the French national team said on X.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU