France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has brought the curtain down on his international playing career.
Benzema was selected by Didier Deschamps for France’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before injury robbed the 35-year-old of the opportunity to participate.
After recovering from a thigh injury, Benzema had been rumoured to make a sensational return for Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
Reports proved wide of the mark, however, with the striker watching from home as France lost 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, and now he has called time on his France career.
Writing on Twitter, Benzema, who has been capped 97 times by France, scoring 37 goals, said: “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 is ending #Nine.”
Skysports
