Thunderclap in the skies of the Blues: Antoine Griezmann announced his international retirement at the age of 33 on Monday, after having nevertheless assured that he wanted to continue in the French team, depriving it of its most experienced player.
“Grizou” (137 caps, 44 goals) will not beat the cap record. He hangs up the tunic in third place behind Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142), tied with Olivier Giroud who retired internationally this summer.
“It is with deep emotion that I announce my retirement as a player of the France team, after ten incredible years,” said Griezmann in a video on his X account, explaining that he wanted to “turn a page” and “ make way for the new generation.”
A montage of just under two minutes shows his great moments in the selection: the victory in the World Cup in Russia, his celebrations at Euro-2016, where he scored 6 goals and lost in the final, or his tears of quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup lost against Germany, but also moments of locker room complicity.
The vice-captain remained on a failed Euro-2024 on a personal level, twice on the bench during the competition, notably during the semi-final lost against Spain (2-1). But the Atlético Madrid player assured in the show Téléfoot in September that he wanted to continue.
“Monument”, “exceptional player”
“For me, the French team is something very important, a source of pride,” he assured, having “always wanted to play to represent France, afterward, [au sélectionneur de l’équipe nationale, Didier] Deschamps to choose.”
The coach “takes note” with “a lot of emotion” of this decision, in a message sent by the management of the Blues.
“At the end of a long and careful reflection, Antoine has decided to put an end to his magnificent international career. We had a long discussion on this subject recently,” adds “DD”, speaking of his player’s “courage”, “lucidity” and “honesty”.
Deschamps describes Griezmann as “a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history” and praises “a rare altruism among offensive players”.
“It has often been said that Antoine is my favorite. We had indeed established a very strong relationship, which will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou,” concludes the coach, who must announce his list on Thursday for the Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. He is also deprived of his captain, Kylian Mbappé, who is injured.
In his message, Griezmann also thanks Deschamps, whose “confidence” and “support” were “essential to [son] development as an athlete.
Captain Kylian Mbappé “respects and understands” the choice of Antoine Griezmann, “an exceptional player”, to retire internationally at the age of 33, he reacted Monday on his Instagram account.
“An exceptional player who ended his career in [équipe de France]. One of the most important players of the modern era in our selection,” praised the Real Madrid striker, adding that “some may think it’s too early to stop right away, but I understand and respect your decision.
Philippe Diallo, the president of the Federation, also praised “Antoine Griezmann’s unwavering love for the blue jersey” which has become “a legend of the French team and of French and world football”.
“Thank you for being able to inspire millions of young French people with your talent and your humility,” said the new Minister of Sports, Gil Averous, on X.
“See the new generation shine”
Antoine Griezmann assured that he had digested the disappointment of not inheriting the captain’s armband from Hugo Lloris after the 2022 World Cup, which fell to Mbappé.
The fact remains that this very versatile player capable of running to all four corners of the pitch will be missed by the Blues, whom he has been with since a France – Netherlands (2-0) match on March 5, 2003.
“I am convinced that the future is promising and I can’t wait to see the new generation shine,” assures the Atlético midfielder, also congratulated by his club the day after the draw in the derby against Real Madrid (1 -1): “You made history with your selection. »
“Wearing this jersey has been an honor and a privilege since March 2014 and until last September,” adds Griezmann, highlighting “the chance to experience extraordinary moments like becoming world champion” and having played “ alongside exceptional teammates.”
The attacking midfielder also thanks the supporters. He was the only one to greet the public at the Parc des Princes despite the defeat against Italy (3-1) in September.
It was his penultimate match in Blue. He started with a victory against Belgium (3-1) in Lyon.