Karim Benzema, the France striker, reportedly announced his retirement from international football yesterday. The announcement was made on his 35th birthday. It was only a day after France, Les Bleus, lost to Argentina in the World Cup.
Benzema was expected to lead France in the tournament in Qatar. However, he missed the opportunity as he injured his thigh a day before the tournament.
The France striker, also the receiver of The Ballon d’Or award this year. He also had scored 37 times in 97 appearances.
In 2007, Benzema made his international debut and played in the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. After that, in 2014, he played in the World Cup. Nevertheless, because of a blackmail scandal, he could not play in the team.
On Twitter, Benzema tweeted on the day of the retirement announcement:
He said, “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending.”
In the European Championship 2020, he played in the team again under the supervision of a new manager, Laurent Blanc. In the 2021 Nations League, he helped France win the tournament. Ever since he returned from playing in the international team, he scored 10 goals in 16 appearances.
Sources; The Guardian, Eurosport, @Benzema (Twitter)