France football star and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, has announced his retirement from international football.
This comes barely 24 hours after France lost the 2022 FIFA World Cup final to Argentina on Sunday night at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
In a Twitter post on Monday afternoon Benzema wrote, “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.”
Benzema was sent home on the eve of the tournament after picking up an injury, but there was some speculation that he could return for the final against France after playing a friendly for Real Madrid.
However, he rejected the opportunity to go back to Qatar after reportedly falling out with manager Didier Deschamps, according to Daily Mail.
Deschamps had said he is planning to hold talks with the French Football Federation in the new year over his future at the team.
He has now led the France national team to two World Cup finals, winning one and losing one.
Benzema, on the other hand, won the 2022 Player of the Year Ballon d’Or award.
Benzema was the top scorer in Spain’s La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/22 season, as Real Madrid won both competitions.
