France captain, Hugo Lloris, retires from international football

France captain and goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, has retired from international football.

The 36-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper announced his retirement from international on Monday evening.

His retirement comes barely a month after France’s penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final in Qatar.

Lloris made a record 145 senior appearances for France during his 14-year international career.

He was appointed captain in February 2012 and went on to lift the World Cup in Russia in 2018 after France’s 4-2 victory against Croatia in the final in Moscow.

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Lloris also led his country to Nations League glory in October 2021 and was the skipper for their 1-0 Euro 2016 final defeat to Portugal in Paris.

He has named AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, who missed the World Cup in Qatar due to a calf injury, as his successor.

“There comes a time when you have to know how to pass the hand. 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, the team is ready to continue, there is also a goalkeeper who is ready (Maignan).

“I prefer to go out being at the top than to wait for a drop in speed or too much competition. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and my children,” Hugo Lloris stated.

The Star