After Wales superstar Gareth Bale announced his retirement, another celebrity announced his retirement from international football. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who led France in the two World Cups where France played in the final, has announced that he will no longer wear the jersey for the national team. Bale has made it clear that he no longer wants to play international football at the club level.
The 36-year-old Lloris announced his departure in an interview with the French sports newspaper La Aquipe. “I have decided to end my international career. I feel that everything has been given for it. This is because it should be announced now with only two and a half months left for the Euro qualifiers,” said the player. The actor said that he is thinking regarding this as soon as the World Cup is over and it has been on his mind for regarding six months.
Lloris is the hero who led France twice in the World Cup finals and lifted the cup once. Tottenham Hotspur is also a keeper in the Premier League.
Lloris also said that a replacement has arrived for the French goalkeeper. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Mignon will succeed Lloris. The actor added that as a person, he needs to spend time for himself, his family and his children and it is the right time to bring France to the World Cup final and return.
Lloris has played seven top tournaments with the French team. After winning the World Cup in 2018, Lloris kept the net even when they became the UEFA Nations League champions two years later.
He made his debut in the national team in 2008 at the age of 21. He then made 145 appearances as the French keeper. Lilian Thuram, who held the record for the most appearances for the national team, was passed in this World Cup. He also holds the record of keeping a clean sheet in 53 matches for the country.