Deschamps on Griezmann’s Farewell to the National Team: Antoine is My Darling, and I Always Maintain a Strong Bond with Him

On September 30, French football star Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team through his personal social media, thereby concluding a ten-year career with the national team. Subsequently, France’s head coach Didier Deschamps issued a statement expressing sincere gratitude to Griezmann.

Deschamps was surprised by Griezmann’s decision to announce his retirement from the national team. It is understood that Deschamps had originally planned to call up Griezmann for the international matches against Israel and Belgium in October. In his statement, Deschamps said, “Announcing your retirement from the national team is a difficult thing, especially when you have performed so excellently in the French team jersey and completed such perfect games. This requires courage, calmness, and honesty. Antoine has enjoyed great honor during his international career. People often say that Antoine is my favorite player, and indeed we have built a very strong relationship, which will remain unchanged. Sincerely thank you for everything, my Griz.”

The 33-year-old Griezmann made 137 appearances for the French team, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. According to French media reports, Griezmann’s decision to retire from the national team was due to physical and mental fatigue. The Atletico Madrid player conveyed this decision to the coaching staff just a few hours before the French team announced its new roster.