World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, one of France's most influential players over the past decade, took the soccer world by surprise Monday when he announced the end of his international career with Les Bleus.
The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid forward, affectionately nicknamed “Grizou" by his supporters, has played 137 matches with France, scoring 44 goals during a successful 10-year tenure.
Griezmann — Atletico's s all-time record scorer — started with France in 2014 in a friendly match against the Netherlands then quickly established himself as a stalwart of the team coached by Didier Deschamps with his versatile talent and influence as both a goalscorer and an assist provider.
Only two players, Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram, have played more international games with France than Griezmann.
“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann said in a message posted on Instagram. "Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon."
Griezmann is fourth on France's list of all-time scorers behind Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe. He played a key role in helping France to a runner-up finish at the 2016 European Championship, where he was the player of the tournament, won the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League three years later with his French teammates.
“After 10 incredible years, marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation,” he said. “I was lucky enough to experience some incredible moments alongside some exceptional teammates. We have shared victories that will remain forever engraved in our memories.”
Deschamps praised Griezmann's collective spirit and lauded a “selflessness that is rare among attacking players.” In addition to his attacking skills, Griezmann is also rated for his ability to defend and sense of sacrifice.
“Even if his club career is not over, Antoine was and will remain a monument to French football, one of the greatest players in its history,” Deschamps said in a message relayed by the French soccer federation. “In addition to his 44 goals and 30 assists, his contribution to the results we have achieved over the last decade is immense."
After a disappointing showing at the European Championship earlier this year, where France lost in the semifinals, Griezmann had lost some of his influence in Deschamps' team. His final appearance in the France kit was in September in a 2-0 win over Belgium in a Nations League match when he came on as a late substitute.
Although Griezmann has admitted he struggled at the Euros, he was expected to keep on playing with France until the 2026 World Cup.
In his retirement message, Griezmann thanked Deschamps for his support over the last decade despite the coach's decision to make Mbappe France captain ahead of him last year following Lloris' retirement. Griezmann had previously said Deschamps' snub had been difficult to stomach.
“It has often been said that Antoine was my darling,” Deschamps said. “We had indeed forged a very strong relationship, which will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”
Griezmann didn't say how long he'll continue with his club career. His contract with Atletico runs until 2026.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press
