The real reason France captain Hugo Lloris retired from international football
France captain Hugo Lloris has retired from international after the goalkeeper felt that he had given everything to his nation.
The 36-year-old goal-minder insists that he has been contemplating his decision since the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.
The goalkeeper was between the sticks when France were defeated by Argentina on spot kicks in the World Cup final three weeks ago.
WHY HUGO LLORIS RETIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
“I’ve decided to stop my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything,” said the Tottenham Hotspur captain as quoted by BBC Sport.
Lloris made his international debut in November 2008 at 21 in a friendly international with Uruguay.
He led France to a World Cup triumph in 2018 as he was the captain of the side.
Overall, Lloris captained France on 121 occasions, more than any other player who had captained the national team before.
“I think it is important to announce this now, two-and-a-half months before the start of Euro qualifying,” Lloris told French publication L’Equipe.
Lloris managed to make 145 appearances for France which made him the country’s most record appearance maker.
FRANCE DON’T BELONG TO ONE PERSON ACCORDING TO LLORIS…
“I have really been thinking about it since the end of the World Cup, but there has been something deep inside of me for maybe six months now and which grew during the competition, leading me to make this decision,” he added.
“There comes a time when you need to step aside. I have always said the French national team does not belong to any one person.”
Lloris continued: “There is a goalkeeper who is ready [AC Milan’s Mike Maignan], and I need a bit more time for me, for my family and for my children.
“To have been the France goalkeeper for 14-and-a-half seasons is a big deal, but it is also mentally exhausting and I hope clearing some time for myself will allow me to keep playing at the highest level for a few more years.”
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