France captain Hugo Lloris has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36.
Lloris made his international debut in a friendly against Uruguay when he was 21 years old in November 2008. He is leaving after becoming France’s most-capped player at the World Cup.
He beat Lilian Thuram’s record of 142 appearances and finished with his 145th cap in the final, which France lost 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 tie at the end of extra time.
Lloris, a goalkeeper who used to play for Nice and Lyon, led France to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He played in seven major tournaments, including the Euro 2016 final, which France lost to Portugal as the host country.
“I have decided to stop my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything,” Lloris said in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe published on Monday.
“I think it is important to announce this now, two and a half months before the start of Euro qualifying.”
He added: “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.”
France’s backup goalkeepers at the World Cup were Alphonse Areola of West Ham United and 37-year-old Steve Mandanda of Rennes.
But Lloris will be replaced as France’s starting goalkeeper by AC Milan’s 27-year-old Mike Maignan, who missed the World Cup because of an injury.
“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 said.
“There is a goalkeeper who is ready (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.”
He added: “I prefer to go out at the top, having helped France get to a World Cup final.”
Lloris’ decision comes after coach Didier Deschamps extended his contract with the national team which will remain in position through to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
France’s next job is to qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. This starts at the end of March with two games against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
In Group B, they will also play Greece and Gibraltar. The top two teams will move on to the finals, which will be held next year from June 14 to July 14.
Photo by EPA/Tolga Bozoglu
