Paris ∙ French player Antoine Griezmann has announced his unexpected retirement from international football. Thirty-three-year-old Griezmann’s departure was through a note posted on social media yesterday. “With a heart full of memories, I close this chapter of my life. “Thank you for standing by me in these battles under the French tricolor,” Griezmann said. Griezmann has scored 44 goals in 137 appearances for France and was part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League titles with the national team.

He was a member of the 2016 Eurocup and 2022 World Cup runner-up teams. Griezmann, who plays as a striker and attacking midfielder, is on the third place among those who have played the most matches for France and is on the fourth place among those who have scored the most goals. Griezmann, who has been a key figure in the French side under coach Didier Deschamps for a decade, expressed his displeasure last year when Kylian Mbappe was sacked as team captain. Unexpected retirement is a continuation of this. He currently plays for Spanish club Atletico Madrid in club football.