Thunderclap in the football world with the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann this Monday, September 30.
2:45 p.m. – Mbappé’s tribute
“An exceptional player who is ending his career in EDF. One of the most important players of the modern era in our selection. Thank you for the unforgettable memories you gave us, you supported this team for years and has greatly contributed to bringing him to the top with numerous titles Some may think that it is too early to stop immediately but I understand and respect your decision. Wearing this jersey always demands more without sometimes bringing the recognition that it does. go with it. You will forever remain in the history of the French team And I will never forget the honor and the pleasure it was to play alongside you for so many years. never trivialized. Have a good trip my friend and thank you.” Mbappé punctuated his message with a heart.”
2:20 p.m. – When Griezmann said goodbye to the Parc des Princes
The image made the rounds on social networks. Antoine Griezmann, despite the defeat of the Blues, took the time to come and greet the French public alone. One last video filled with nostalgia after this announcement.
1:54 p.m. – A decision taken last weekend
According to L’Equipe, Antoine Griezmann made his choice at the end of last week in private. His partner and his sister were the only ones to have information about Antoine Griezmann’s desire to retire.
13:24 – 4 finals for Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann played in four finals with the France A team: Euro 2016, the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League and the 2022 World Cup. A record of two victories and two defeats.
1:05 p.m. – “Thanks for the velvet”
The official account of the France team paid tribute to Griezmann. “The emotions… Grizi retires internationally after 10 years of good and loyal service. Thank you for the velvet, thank you for the passion, thank you for the memories Antoine Griezmann”
12:44 – Deschamps’ press release
”At the end of a long and successful reflection, Antoine 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.”
12:35 – “A clap of thunder”
Still according to information from Le Figaro, the announcement of Griezmann’s international retirement was a bolt from the blue for the staff of the France team who did not expect this decision.
12:22 – An unbeatable record?
Before losing his status as an indestructible player for a few weeks, Antoine Griezmann put together a record series of 84 matches played consecutively. It’s hard to see another player breaking this record in the next few years.
12:11 – Griezmann called Deschamps and said he was “worn out”
According to Le Figaro, Antoine Griezmann called Didier Deschamps in recent days to warn him of his decision. The Atlético player said he was worn out by the pace, eager to enjoy his children and not willing to continue the adventure in Blue until the 2026 World Cup without leaving room for the possibility of a possible return.
11:58 – The reaction of the Minister of Sports
Gil Avérous, new Minister of Sports in the Barnier government, paid tribute to the French striker.
???? Thank you Antoine. Thank you for inspiring millions of young French people with your talent and humility.
Thank you for everything you have brought to our country! ????????❤️⭐️ An exemplary player who has always honored the tricolor jersey with passion and determination. A… https://t.co/rF8PLUQy0Q pic.twitter.com/S0HXUlRewb
— Gil Averous (@GilAverous) September 30, 2024
11:45 – Great statistics
Antoine Griezmann is on the podium of the most capped players behind only Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142) with 137 caps. The striker is the author of 44 goals in the blue jersey, the Atlético star is in 4th place behind Olivier Giroud (57), Thierry Henry (51) and Kylian Mbappé (48). Antoine Griezmann is also the best passer in the history of the France team with 30 assists, Kylian Mbappé being at 29.
11:35 – A divide between Deschamps and Griezmann when the captaincy was announced?
When Hugo Lloris retired, Didier Deschamps had the choice of entrusting the captain’s armband to Antoine Griezmann or Kylian Mbappé. The coach made the decision to appoint Kylian Mbappé, a decision which hurt Antoine Griezmann, simply vice-captain of the Blues. A few weeks ago, according to a study by the Odoxa institute carried out among 1,005 people aged 18 including 434 football fans, 52% of French people believe that Kylian Mbappé is a bad choice of captain for the Blues. 58% even think that Antoine Griezmann would be a better choice. With Mbappé’s injury, the Frenchman should have worn the armband at the next meeting of the France team.
11:28 – He wanted to continue the adventure until 2026
After the Euro, Antoine Griezmann, aged 33, nevertheless spoke of his wish to continue the adventure. “I always want to play, to represent France and then it will be up to Deschamps to choose,” said Antoine Griezmann during the last international gathering. “I’m always happy, afterward it will be up to the coach to decide.” Three weeks later, his retirement was announced and it was difficult not to see a connection.
11:22 – A surprise announcement before the list
Antoine Griezmann announced his international retirement this Monday as the Blues were due to assemble for the rest of the Nations League in a few days. A decision taken at the last moment and which disrupts Didier Deschamps’ list this Thursday.
11:17 – Thanks to Deschamps
“Your trust and support throughout my international career have been essential to my development as an athlete,” said Antoine Griezmann to his coach Didier Deschamps.