France national team manager Didier Deschamps has paid tribute to Antoine Griezmann, following the 33-year-old forward’s announcement of his retirement from international football, Soccernet.football reports.
Griezmann has called time on his highly decorated ten-year journey with Les Blues, stunning French football with his decision. The Atletico Madrid forward won 137 caps, scoring 44 goals and providing 30 assists.
The Frenchman made his international debut in a friendly match against the Netherlands in 2014. He went on to become a vital part of Deschamps’ setup, featuring at six major tournaments.
Griezmann scored in the Russia 2018 World Cup final as France brushed aside Croatia to win the tournament. He also made significant contributions as Les Blues reached the Qatar 2022 World Cup final where they fell just short against Argentina.
The versatile forward finished as the top goalscorer at Euro 2016 where France were runners-up behind Portugal. He also helped his country to UEFA Nations League glory in the 2020/2021 campaign.
For the first time in ten years, Deschamps’ is set to be without the luxury of Griezmann’s talents. Despite now having to make his team selection without the option of his talisman, the France boss was full of praises in a tribute to the Atleti star.
“We had a long discussion about this recently. Since his debut in the French team ten years ago, we have maintained a relationship of trust and very frank relations”, Deschamps said in his statement.
“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”, continued Deschamps.
“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.
“We had indeed established a very strong relationship, which will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”