Hugo Lloris, champion goalkeeper in the Russia-2018 World Cup and player with the most caps for Les Bleus (145), announced his retirement from the French national team on Monday.
“It is not easy to announce it, but after 14 years defending this shirt, which I have worn with great pleasure, with pride, duty and a sense of responsibility, I think I have reached the end.“, he told the newspaper L’Equipe the 36-year-old goalkeeper, finalist for the Qatar-2022 World Cup three weeks ago.
International from 2008Lloris received the captain’s armband when Laurent Blanc began his stage as coach, who replaced Raymond Domenech after the failure in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The current coach Didier Deschamps maintained complete confidence in Lloris, key in the great era lived by the Bleuswith the Eurocup final in 2016, the 2018 world title and a new final in Qatar, lost to Argentina on penalties (3-3, 4-2).
After almost three decades in the national team, “There comes a time when you have to know how to take overLloris pointed out.
“I think the team is ready to continue“he added, citing the name of his probable successor as owner, Mike Maignan.
Out in Qatar due to injury, the 27-year-old Milan goalkeeper could become a starter in qualifying for Euro 2024, which begins in March.
“I have the feeling that I have given everything, of having been part of the adventure, but I don’t want to wait for the moment when I do less. I prefer to go out on top, after helping the French team reach the World Cup final”, explained Lloris.
A monument de l’histoire des Bleus tire sa révérence. At 36 years old, Hugo Lloris, captain of the team of France, announced on Monday to L’Équipe sa retraite internationale: https://t.co/dePVX5YoiD pic.twitter.com/hGzLVwEUQa
— L’ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) January 9, 2023
