Three days before the announcement of Didier Deschamps’ list for the Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, the Blues received a huge blow. At 33 years old and after 137 caps (44 goals, 38 assists), Antoine Griezmann surprised everyone by announcing his international retirement. Present yesterday at the Madrid derby to supervise the Blues, did Guy Stéphan see the blow coming? Still, “Grizou” made the sad news official on its social networks.

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«It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolor adventure and see you soon», wrote Antoine Griezmann on his X account. The Atlético de Madrid striker announced his international retirement this Monday morning after more than ten years spent in the French team jersey. “Today, it is with deep emotion that I announce my retirement as a player for the France team. 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».

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Less visible with the French team since Euro 2024, the Atlético de Madrid player still closed the French chapter with a World Cup won in 2018, a Nations League won in 2021 and two finals lost (the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016). Technical leader of the Blues for many years, Griezmann was one of, if not the, notable player of the Deschamps era. While waiting for the round of questions from journalists on this subject next Thursday, the Bayonnais reacted to the announcement of his vice-captain via the FFF.

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“At the end of a long and careful reflection, Antoine has decided to put an end to his magnificent international career. We had a long discussion about this recently. Since his debut in the French team ten years ago, he and I have maintained a relationship of trust and very frank relations. It’s never easy to draw a line under the French team. Especially when we represented it so well, so well embodied. It takes courage, lucidity and honesty and Antoine, in his analysis, did not lack it. This is to his credit. Even if his club career is not over, Antoine was and will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history. Beyond his 44 goals and 30 assists, his involvement in the results we have achieved over the last decade is immense. Driven by a collective spirit at all times and a rare altruism among offensive players, Antoine has always brought honor to football and the blue jersey. He never cheated. Obviously, it is with great emotion that I note his international retirement. It has often been said that Antoine is my favorite. We had indeed established a very strong relationship, which will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.” This Monday, the emotion is more than great among the Blues.