“Legend of sport, French pride” according to Emmanuel Macron, “exceptional teammate” for Raphaël Varane… Reactions to the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann

Several personalities, from the world of football, but not only, greeted Antoine Griezmann after the announcement of his international retirement on Monday.

Unanimous tributes. After the announcement of the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann, Monday September 30, many public figures were keen to salute, in the wake of Didier Deschamps, the 33-year-old midfielder, with 44 achievements in the jersey of the French team.

“Thank you, dear Antoine, for making us dream so much. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for your collective spirit and your fights, inspiration for many. Legend of sport, French pride”writes Emmanuel Macron in a comment on the player’s Instagram publication.

“Thank you to the immense player who brought so much to the French team. Thanks to the wonderful footballer, this fantastic left-hander, who made us all dream with his exploits. Thanks to the man, warm, humble, generous, always close to the supporters”, reacts Philippe Diallo, the president of the FFF (French Football Federation) in a press release.

“An exceptional player who ends his career in EDF. One of the most important players of the modern era in our selection”, praises Kylian Mbappé. “I will never forget the honor and the pleasure it was to play alongside you for so many years. I have never trivialized it.”

“What an exceptional player, what a teammate, my friend! Not only one of the best players in the world, but also a mentality, a heart and a passion to match his career”assures Raphaël Varane, just retired from the field, with whom Antoine Griezmann shared many of his 137 selections. “Respect my Grizou”adds Benjamin Pavard, while Djibril Sidibé, also world champion in Russia, expresses his sadness with the help of an emoji.

“At only 33 years old while he is still shining with his club… It’s nonsense! Who thanks?” asks former Losc player Ludovic Obraniak on X (formerly Twitter).

The tributes go beyond football and come from athletes from all walks of life. “Thanks for everything bro”writes tennis player Gaël Monfils. “Well done and thank you Grizou”thanks Jean Patry, gold medalist with the French volleyball team at the Paris Olympics, during which Antoine Griezmann stood out with his “medal alert”.

The brand new Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life Gil Avérous thanks the player “for having been able to inspire millions of young French people through [son] talent and [son] humility” : “Thank you for everything you have brought to our country!”.