In the halls of the Allianz Arena in Munich, this July 9, 2024, Antoine Griezmann still appears stunned by the elimination of the France team against Spain, in the semifinals of the Euro Cup (1-2). The vice-captain continues to assume his responsibilities before the media and tries to explain the reasons for the defeat. The last question, which he does not consider appropriate, bothers him greatly: “Was this your last game dressed in blue? » Response from the interested party, with a long sigh: “Roh, but guys…”
At the beginning of September, Griezmann’s return to Clairefontaine (Yvelines), to prepare for the first two games of the season, seemed to have cleared up the doubts. The 33-year-old player, with a smile on his face, as always, was part of the new French cycle started by Didier Deschamps with a view to the 2026 World Cup. The announcement of the end of his international career, on Monday in September. 30, so it took everyone by surprise.
In a video published on “Today, with deep emotion, I announce my retirement as a player from the French national team. After ten incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time to turn the page and make way for the new generation”Griezmann announces.
One of the most important players in the history of the Blues – best passer (30 assists), fourth best scorer (44 goals) – retires after ten years in the national team, since his first cap, on March 5, 2014. during a friendly match against Holland. In a decade, Griezmann has written a unique story with the France team. He, who developed his entire career in Spain and who expresses himself better in the language of Cervantes than in that of Molière, saw in it a fundamental link with his native country.
“A monument to French football”
During this period, Griezmann always expressed his pride in wearing the tricolor shirt and was proud of his record of consecutive games played with the national team: 84 games in a row, between August 2017 and November 2023. “Representing the French team is something magnificent and that is why I have this record. It’s because I love this team. There were times when I couldn’t play, but I made an effort for the national team.”I trusted him World in February.
You have 62.47% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
