Hugo Lloris announces his retirement from international football

 

Image via @SpursOfficial Twitter

 

Hugo Lloris, the 36-year-old goalkeeper for France, has announced his retirement from international competition.

The Tottenham captain made his choice three weeks after France’s 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina on penalties on December 18, 2022.

When his nation won the 2018 World Cup, Lloris led the team to triumph four years prior.

 

“I’ve decided to stop my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything,” said Lloris.

Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, he added: “I think it is important to announce this now, two-and-a-half months before the start of Euro qualifying.”

Gibraltar, Greece, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland make form France’s qualification group for the 2024 European Championship.

Lloris earned his debut for his country at the age of 21 against Uruguay in a friendly match in November 2008.

He earned his 145th cap in the World Cup final loss to Argentina, setting a new record for appearances for France.

Lloris set a record by leading France 121 times.

“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 and which grew during the competition, leading me to make this decision,” he said.