Antoine Griezmann’s international retirement is “necessarily a page that is turning”, believes coach Didier Deschamps

The Blues coach returned on Thursday to the recent international retirement of Antoine Griezmann, a central element of the Blues for ten years.

“What can I tell you about Grizou, my darling?” This is how Didier Deschamps began his response when he was questioned about the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann, Thursday October 3, on the occasion of the announcement of the France group for two Nations League matches. “I had a very nice discussion with him, but I had in front of me an Antoine who had come full circle in this reflection which took a long timehe summarized. It’s definitely a page that’s turning.”

The Blues coach, who ensured that the Madrid player “had its place” in this list, returned to the context of this announcement, while the Mâconnais is making a great start to the season with Atlético de Madrid. “He made this decision which he accepts and which suits him well, in the sense that it is not constrained and forced. It didn’t happen in two days, he was already thinking about it during the last competition. It happens, as it happened to Hugo (Lloris) and Raphaël (Varane).”he explained.

Didier Deschamps notably mentioned the physical and mental wear and tear of the player, now 33 and a half years old. “It is not a decision on a whim, but after a reflection which has matured and succeeded, like other players before. Antoine started in the professional world at 18, with busy seasons, and has been very little injured. He is reaching an age where it is a natural and logical question. With all these seasons, there is physical but also psychological fatigue. It is his decision, and I can only thank him. of what he was able to bring to the French team”explained Didier Deschamps.

The coach praised the player’s involvement, a central element of all the Blues’ global and European campaigns for ten years. “Having had the privilege of having had Antoine since 2014, with everything he was able to do on and off the field, and having had a special relationship with him, it’s obviously funny, because he was systematically with us. He is a very good example for young people to follow, because he did not have a linear career, on a human level, he is a very endearing person. not always simple either, but he was always extremely generous.”

To make up for his absence, the coach will have to adapt to replace a key player, capable of playing on the wing, in support of an attacker or even in the middle as during the 2022 World Cup. “differently”, without “clook for its equivalent. “It is not possible to replace him position for position because he had a great influence with his technique and his ability to repeat efforts. He has a very specific register which allows him to play in different positions. This is what made him an exceptional player.”concluded Didier Deschamps.