Karim Benzema retires from international football after France World Cup final snob
Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football the day after France lost to Argentina in the World Cup final. Benzema's World Cup hopes were ended before the tournament started after suffering a thigh injury last month.
That meant he had to watch from the sidelines as France headed into Sunday's final. Reports had emerged that Benzema was in line for a shock return to the France squad to be in contention to play against Argentina.
But Spanish outlet Libertad Digital claim that Benzema had no desire to join Didier Deschamps' side due to the way he left the France squad ahead of the tournament. It has also been suggested that French President Emmanuel Macron personally invited Benzema to attend the World Cup final.
However, the Real Madrid striker turned down the invitation and posted a cryptic Instagram post on Friday, which read: "I'm not interested." And Benzema has now announced his official retirement from international football at the age of 35.
"I made the effort and the mistakes it took to get to where I am today and I'm proud of it!" he . "I have written my story and ours is ending."
Benzema has had a tumultuous relationship with the France national team throughout his career. He was not involved with any team between 2015 and early 2021 after being effectively banned by Deschamps.
That meant he missed out on France's 2018 World Cup win despite being one of the best strikers in the world.
READ MORE
Was France v Argentina the most dramatic final ever?
Deschamps finally brought Benzema back from the cold in June 2021 and Benzema helped France win the Nations League final against Spain. The 2022 World Cup was seen as his last chance to play a World Cup with favorites France to defend their title from four years ago.
France took on Argentina in Sunday's final with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick in a dramatic game. The contest was to be decided on penalties after the two teams could not be separated at 3-3.
But Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouameni missed their shots on goal as Argentina were crowned world champions for the first time since 1986.
Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football the day after France lost to Argentina in the World Cup final. Benzema's World Cup hopes were ended before the tournament started after suffering a thigh injury last month.
That meant he had to watch from the sidelines as France headed into Sunday's final. Reports had emerged that Benzema was in line for a shock return to the France squad to be in contention to play against Argentina.
But Spanish outlet Libertad Digital claim that Benzema had no desire to join Didier Deschamps' side due to the way he left the France squad ahead of the tournament. It has also been suggested that French President Emmanuel Macron personally invited Benzema to attend the World Cup final.
However, the Real Madrid striker turned down the invitation and posted a cryptic Instagram post on Friday, which read: "I'm not interested." And Benzema has now announced his official retirement from international football at the age of 35.
"I made the effort and the mistakes it took to get to where I am today and I'm proud of it!" he . "I have written my story and ours is ending."
Benzema has had a tumultuous relationship with the France national team throughout his career. He was not involved with any team between 2015 and early 2021 after being effectively banned by Deschamps.
That meant he missed out on France's 2018 World Cup win despite being one of the best strikers in the world.
READ MORE Was France v Argentina the most dramatic final ever?
Deschamps finally brought Benzema back from the cold in June 2021 and Benzema helped France win the Nations League final against Spain. The 2022 World Cup was seen as his last chance to play a World Cup with favorites France to defend their title from four years ago.
France took on Argentina in Sunday's final with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick in a dramatic game. The contest was to be decided on penalties after the two teams could not be separated at 3-3.
But Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouameni missed their shots on goal as Argentina were crowned world champions for the first time since 1986.
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