Atletico Madrid’s forward Antoine Griezmann announced on Monday that he is retiring from France’s national team. The news comes as a surprise, considering that Griezmann has been a key player for Didier Deschamps’ squad in recent international tournaments.
Griezmann, who made his senior debut for France in 2014, made the announcement through his social media. He said that he believes it is time for him to “make way for the next generation.”
“It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolor adventure, and see you soon,” Griezmann wrote while attaching a clip containing a montage of his time with the national team.
Griezmann made a total of 137 appearances for France, scoring 44 goals and adding 33 assists. His breakthrough at the international scene came at the 2016 EURO when he helped his home country reach the finals and was selected as the tournament’s best player on top of winning a Golden Boot.
He then started every game of the 2018 World Cup, where France lifted the trophy, and was part of the team that reached the finals four years later in Qatar.
Griezmann’s most recent appearance with France’s national team was a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium on September 9, when he came in as a substitute and played 11 minutes.
