Paris, Dec. 20 (BNA): French striker Karim Benzema announced his retirement from international football on his 35th birthday on Monday, a day after the French national team lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final.
Reuters reports that Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, who has scored 37 goals in 97 matches, was expected to lead France’s World Cup squad but missed it after suffering a thigh injury during training the day before the tournament began.
“I made the effort and the mistakes it took to get me to where I am today and I’m proud of that! I wrote my story and our story ends,” Benzema wrote on Twitter.
Benzema made his international debut in 2007. He played in the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 as well as the 2014 World Cup.
He was called up for Euro 2020 last year, where Didier Deschamps’ side suffered an early exit, and helped France win the Nations League in October 2021.
Benzema enjoyed a stellar campaign with Real Madrid last season, scoring 44 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions, as he inspired them to a double in LaLiga and the Champions League.
Since returning to the international team, Benzema has scored 10 goals in 16 matches but was forced to sit out France’s defense in the World Cup that ended with a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat by Argentina in Sunday’s final.
SM