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Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international soccer with France in a surprise move before the upcoming October break with Les Bleus. The 33-year-old won the FIFA 2018 World Cup with Didier Deschamps’ triumphant French side in the undoubted high point of his 137 appearances, which included 44 goals.
Griezmann and France also won the UEFA 2021 Nations League together as well as reaching the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals together. However, the Atletico Madrid man has moved to retire himself from active duty ahead of the October UNL fixtures against Israel and Belgium after mounting speculation regarding his fitness and influence in the team.
“It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann posted via social media. “Thank you for this magnificent, tricolor adventure, and see you soon. Today, with profound emotion, I announce my retirement as a France national team player. After ten incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn the page and make room for the new generation.
“Wearing this shirt has been an honor and a privilege. I leave the France national team with a sense of pride and gratitude. I had the honor of representing our country, and the chance to experience extraordinary moments, like becoming a world champion. I will continue to follow Les Bleus with passion. I am convinced that the future is bright and I cannot wait to see the next generation shine.”
Griezmann featured for France in September’s internationals during a 3-1 home loss to Italy and a 2-0 home win over the Belgians but he was a substitute in the latter which marks his final appearance. Deschamps has been ever-present as the French head coach since Griezmann’s 2014 debut which came after disciplinary issues threatened to end his international career before it even started.
Once out of international suspension over an incident which coincided with the French failing to qualify for the 2013 under-21 Euros, he became a key player under Deschamps. Griezmann was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as Les Bleus fell agonizingly short against Portugal in the final when expected to end their wait for a third European crown.
However, the Macon-born star scored a penalty as part of a four-goal haul in the 2018 World Cup final win over Croatia and was a key performer as France triumphed in Russia. Griezmann was still there four years later as the French suffered defeat against Argentina on penalties in Qatar and also played on at Euro 2024 which ended with a semifinal loss to winners Spain.
Kylian Mbappe was named France captain ahead of Griezmann in early 2023 after Hugo Lloris’ retirement and the former Barcelona and Real Sociedad man admitted that it was “tough” on him. Griezmann will be remembered as one of the most influential players in what has been a strong period for French soccer internationally with his individual showings in 2018 and 2022 particularly memorable.
“We have had a long discussion about (his retirement) recently,” said Deschamps of Griezmann. “Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we have had a relationship based on trust and frankness. Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history. It was often said that he was my favorite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”
Although he remains an Atleti player and started in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Real in the Madrid derby, Griezmann has expressed a desire to play in Major League Soccer before he retires. Former international teammates Lloris and Olivier Giroud both play for LAFC, having joined within the past 12 months although Griezmann has also never played professionally in his home country after breaking through with Sociedad.
