Karim Benzema announces retirement from international football

The Real Madrid striker dropped a short message to seemingly announce the end of his days representing France.

Karim Benzema released a brief message on social media on Monday to declare his time with the French national team has ended.

The Ballon d’Or winner, who turned 35 on Monday, missed the 2022 World Cup through a thigh injury. In his absence, France reached the final, but lost 4-2 on penalties to Argentina in Qatar.

“I’ve made the efforts and mistakes that were necessary for me to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I’ve written my story and ours comes to an end,” Benzema posted on Twitter.

J’ai fait les efforts et les erreurs qu’il fallait pour être là où je suis aujourd’hui et j’en suis fier !
J’ai écrit mon histoire et la nôtre prend fin. #Nueve pic.twitter.com/7LYEzbpHEs

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 19, 2022

The former Lyon star managed 37 goals and 20 assists in 97 appearances for France at international level.

After almost six years away from the national team for his alleged involvement in a blackmail scandal involving former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, Benzema returned for Euro 2020.

The Real Madrid captain finished as Les Bleus’ top-scorer with four goals in the tournament, before helping the side win the 2020/21 Nations League title.

Benzema now turns his focus back to LaLiga, with Real Madrid to play Real Valladolid on December 30 in their first game back from the World Cup.