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Bittersweet Farewell: Griezmann Hangs Up Boots for France
Antoine Griezmann retirement at 33 from international football.
Do you believe that, guys?
Yes, it is already cooked.
Antoine Griezmann has revealed his decision to step away from representing France at the international level. France won the World Cup in 2018, and Griezmann showed his brilliance at numerous major competitions for the national team.
With 135 games under his belt and 44 goals as a national team player, Griezmann retires as the fourth-most capped player of France.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Griezmann excelled by helping France win over Croatia, and he also ranked first at Euro 2016 when they lost to Portugal.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Griezmann stepped into a midfield position that was more defensive and was vital to Didier Deschamps’ France side as they clinched the silver ball after Argentina emerged victorious in the final game.
“Today, it is with profound emotion that I announce my retirement as a France team member,” said Griezmann, who set a French record by playing 84 straight matches for Les Bleus between November 2016 and March 2024.”
“After ten wonderful years of difficulties, victories, and unforgettable events, it is time for me to step aside and make space for the next generation. Wearing this shirt was both an honor and a privilege.”
From Rising Star to World Champion
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he made five appearances for France. Later, he was crucial for the French squad before Euro 2016. France advanced to the final in Paris with six goals by Griezmann, who scored in victories over Ireland and Iceland, and a brace in the 2-0 win over Germany.
France was stunned by Portugal’s winning goal at extra-time in the Stade de France final; meanwhile, Griezmann took home the Golden Boot award.
Griezmann excelled as a leader in the 2018 World Cup as he had in past events; however, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe changed his role somewhat at the tournament.
In the last-16 and quarter-final wins against Argentina and Uruguay, respectively, Griezmann scored goals. He also scored France’s second goal by converting a penalty in their 4-2 win against Croatia in the final. In 2018, Griezmann finished third in the Ballon d’Or award and obtained a similar ranking after Euro 2016.
From Midfield Maestro to Offensive Catalyst
At the delayed Euro 2020 finals, France did not meet expectations, but Griezmann’s role in the midfield ignited a comeback during the 2022 World Cup, where he emerged as an outright champion.
However, he filled in as a midfielder for France at the last moment of crisis. Griezmann played an essential role in their advancement through the quarter-final against England and assisted in both goals in their subsequent triumph.
In the semi-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2024, Griezmann did not feature in the starting lineup reflecting his diminishing place within Deschamps’ impressive attacking lineup.
There are only two players who played more matches in France other than Griezmann, Hugo Lloris, Lilian Thuram, and Oliver Giroud. Few athletes like Henry, Mbappe, and Giroud in France have scored more than Griezmann. The leading goal-scorer of France, Giroud decided to end his playing career at Euro 2024.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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