France skipper Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international football on Monday night, January 9, 2023.
Lloris, who captained France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, hung his boots with less than three months remaining before the start of the 2024 Euro qualifiers.
The 36-year-old made his debut for the Les Bleus at the age of 21 and went on to make a record 145 appearances for his nation.
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The Tottenham Hotspur skipper stated that he made the decision to give youngsters a chance to fulfill their dreams.
"I've decided to stop my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything.
"I have really been thinking about it since the end of the World Cup, but there has been something deep inside of me for maybe six months now, which grew during the competition, leading me to make this decision,"
"There comes a time when you need to step aside. I have always said the French national team does not belong to any one person," he was quoted by the French publication L'Equipe.
Lloris tipped AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan to fill his shoes.
"There is a goalkeeper who is ready [AC Milan's Mike Maignan], and I need a bit more time for me, for my family, and for my children,” he added.
Elsewhere, former Spurs forward Gareth Bale also announced his retirement from football on Monday.
The Welsh international, who won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, stated that he felt lucky to play the beautiful game.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from the club and international football.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life.
"The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me,” read part of Bale’s statement.
He was regarded as one of the greatest players ever in the rich history of British football.
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