Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after missing France’s run to the World Cup final.
After suffering an injury on the eve of the competition, Benzema was sent home, but there was some conjecture that he could have returned for the final after playing in a friendly for Real Madrid.
However, he apparently refused the opportunity to go back to Qatar after falling out with manager Didier Deschamps, and has now taken to social media to reveal that he has decided to call quits on his international career.
Karim Benzema has decided to retire from international football after missing the World Cup
Benzema announced his decision on Instagram on Monday afternoon
Benzema’s announcement comes after a reported spat with France boss Didier Deschamps’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,’ Benzema wrote on Instagram on Monday afternoon.Benzema’s shock announcement comes less than 24 hours after France’s defeat against Argentina, as Deschamps’s side were denied in their quest to win back-to-back World Cups.
Benzema rejected an offer from French president Emmanuel Macron to take his personal private jet to Qatar for Sunday’s final.
He did, however, post a good luck message to his team-mates that read: ‘It’s time… all together. Vamonos. Come on Les Bleus.’
Deschamps is planning to hold talks with the French Football Federation in the new year over his future, but Benzema has opted to not wait to see how those discussions play out and has quit the national team.
Benzema finishes his France career with 37 goals in 97 caps, but his journey with the national team has been far from smooth since his debut 15 years ago.
