France captain Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36, three weeks after his country lost the World Cup final on penalties to Argentina in Doha.
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“I have decided to end my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything,” Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Lloris said in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe published on Monday.
“I think it’s important to announce it now, two and a half months before the Euro qualifiers start.”
Lloris, who made his international debut as a 21-year-old in a friendly against Uruguay in November 2008, stepped down after becoming France’s most capped player at the World Cup.
He beat Lilian Thuram’s previous record of 142 appearances and finished with his 145th cap in the final, which France lost 4-2 on penalties after an epic 3-3 draw late in extra time.
“I’ve really been thinking about it since the end of the World Cup, but something that’s been in my heart for six months now and it’s gotten stronger during the competition, led me to make this decision,” Lloris said.
Former Nice and Lyon goalkeeper Lloris captained France to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He played in seven major tournaments, including Euro 2016, when France lost in the final to hosts Portugal.
France’s backup goalkeepers at the World Cup are 37-year-old Rennes veteran Steve Mandanda and West Ham United’s Alphonse Areola.
However, Lloris’ replacement as France starter is 27-year-old Mike Maignan of AC Milan, who missed the World Cup due to injury.
– ‘Out on top’ –
“There are times when you have to step aside. I always say that the French national team does not have anyone,” said Lloris.
“There is a goalkeeper who is ready (Maignan), and I need more time for myself, my family and my children.
“Being the goalkeeper of France for 14 and a half seasons is a big deal, but it’s also mentally demanding and hopefully spending some time on myself will allow me to continue playing at the highest level for a few more years.”
He added: “I would prefer to come out on top, because it helps France get to the World Cup final.”
Lloris’ decision comes after coach Didier Deschamps – who has been in charge since 2012 – signed a new contract to keep him in the position until the 2026 World Cup in North America.
“I have to, we have to respect his decision even though he still has a place in our team, as he showed during the last World Cup,” Deschamps said in a statement.
“A good servant of the French team is bowing out and I want to pay tribute to him for an incredible career.
“Beyond all the records that his talent and professionalism could break, beyond the important role he played in the greatest victory … Hugo is an extraordinary person on a human level.”
The next task for Deschamps and France is the qualification campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany, which begins at the end of March with a double header against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
They will also face Greece and Gibraltar in Group B, with the top two teams progressing to the final which will take place from June 14 to July 14 next year.