French international, Hugo Lloris has announced his retirement from international football.
With Les Bleus, the goalkeeper won the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2020–21.
He also led the group to the final in Qatar in 2022, when France lost to Argentina on penalties.
He leaves the game with the most caps for France. In addition, he played 145 games for his nation during the course of his career.
The skipper announced the news in an interview where he also named Milan’s Mike Maignan as the man to replace him in the national team.
“There comes a time when you have to know how to pass the hand,” he told L’Equipe.
“I don’t want to make it my own, I’ve always said and repeated that the France team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first. I think that behind [me], the team is ready to continue, there is also a goalkeeper who is ready [Maignan].”
The 36-year-old acknowledged that his choice to leave active duty overseas was also influenced by family concerns.
“I prefer to go out being at the top than to wait for a drop in speed, or too much competition,” he added. “There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and my children.”
Coach Didier Deschamps must now decide who will succeed Lloris and be his No.1 goalkeeper.
Les Bleus are set to return to action on 24th March against the Netherlands in qualifying for Euro 2024.
