Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left France’s World Cup squad after picking up an injury ahead of the tournament.
There were question marks whether Benzema would return to the France campaign ahead of Sunday’s final after he returned to team training with Real Madrid and coach Didier Deschamps had never called up a replacement.
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However, reports in France state there was a rift between Deschamps and Benzema, with the latter keen to stay in the World Cup camp for his recovery, while the coach and his medical team decided to send the striker home.
On Monday, on his 35th birthday, Benzema has now announced his international retirement.
“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 has come to an end,” he wrote on social media.
Benzema made 97 appearances for France, scoring 37 goals. He won the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League with Les Bleus.
