Karim Benzema has retired from international football just one day after France were beaten in the World Cup final.
Benzema had been part of Didier Deschamps’ squad, but he was unable to travel to Qatar after picking up an injury just days before the tournament kicked off. And reports from France then suggested he had turned down an invite to the final due to his ‘broken’ relationship with the team.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner said on Twitter: “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending.”
on Sunday Benzema had turned down the chance to cheer on his team-mates in the Middle East.
The 35-year-old had been invited by President Emmanuel Macron, but turned it down due to a broken relationship with French boss Deschamps. President Macron was seen in the crowds in Qatar, but there was no sign of Benzema.
There had been reports he could have played a role in the showpiece, but Deschamps shut down those rumours: “I don’t really want to answer that question, next question.” Benzema hit back on Instagram, posting a snap with the caption: “I’m not interested.”
The 35-year-old has had a strained relationship with the national team that started in the eve of Euro 2016.
The FFF announced Benzema wouldn’t play at his home tournament, and that omission continued to the 2018 World Cup. Benzema tweeted after being left out of the 2018 side: “Mr Le Graët, with all due respect, you’ve lost an opportunity to remain silent.
“I’ve discovered your true face, and this isn’t the one that said he appreciated me and wouldn’t discuss the subject of team selections!” FFF president Noël Le Graët then said his French career was over.
However, in 2021 Benzema finally returned to the French side, six years after he had last turned out for Les Blues.