Antoine Griezmann retires from international football, ending a French legend

French midfielder Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football, having been a key member of Didier Deschamps' squad for a decade, winning the World Cup. The 33-year-old, who struggled at the last European Championship, was a key member of the squad at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, leading France to the title in Russia and a second-place finish in Qatar.

Antoine Griezmann Retirement Atletico Madrid player Griezmann said on social media: "Today, with mixed feelings, I announce my retirement from playing with the French national team after ten years full of challenges, successes and unforgettable moments. It is time to make way for a new generation. Wearing the national team jersey was a great honor and privilege for me."

Nicknamed 'Griezmann' by team-mates and fans, Griezmann was the top scorer at Euro 2016 when France reached the final before losing to Portugal after extra time at the Stade de France.

Griezmann made 137 appearances for France, scoring 44 goals, and was versatile in midfield, and although the captaincy was passed to Kylian Mbappé after Hugo Lloris retired, Griezmann remained an influential figure in the team.

Griezmann's numbers with the French national team Griezmann also set a record by playing 84 consecutive matches for his country, reflecting his pivotal role in the team over the past decade. With his retirement, Griezmann becomes the second major player to bid farewell to the French national team after Olivier Giroud, the team's all-time leading scorer, who announced his retirement after the defeat to Spain in the semi-finals of the European Championship.

Griezmann is also the fourth-highest scorer for the French national team, and helped France win the 2021 UEFA Nations League. At club level, he has made more than 500 appearances in La Liga for Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, scoring three goals in nine games this season with Atletico.