By Victor Kanayo
France’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, has announced his retirement from international football, aged 36.
According to Lloris, his decision to quit was to focus more on his family.
He retired few hours after Wales international Gareth Bale announced his decision to quit.
Lloris struck a record after making 145 appearances for France from 2008 to 22, and captaining the team 121 times.
He made his international debut in 2008, playing at the European Championship in 2012, 2016 and 2020 as well as the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments.
Tottenham Hotspur keeper Lloris led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup before again leading them to the final this year in Qatar where they were beaten by Argentina.
He said, “There comes a time when you have to know how to hand over the reins. I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first,” he told L’Equipe in an interview.
“I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready (Mike Maignan).
“I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children.”
Along with the 2018 World Cup, Lloris also won the 2021 Nations League and guided France to the final of the 2016 European Championship.
France head coach Didier Deschamps said Lloris was retiring at his peak and despite still having a place in the national set-up but called on fans to respect his decision.
