Karim Benzema announces international retirement
French striker Karim Benzema announced his retirement from international level, just a day after France failed to win their 3rd World Cup crown. Benzema had missed the World Cup through injury and confirmed that he has retired from international duty for France through Twitter on Monday.
“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,” the Real Madrid striker wrote on Twitter.
Before the Argentina vs France match, news broke that Benzema had reportedly rejected an invitation from Emmanuel Macron to attend the World Cup final. Benzema had taken to Instagram late Friday and posted a picture of himself next to the words: “I’m not interested.” It wasn’t immediately obvious what the context was around his post.
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
Benzema was recently involved in a friendly for Real Madrid against CD Leganes. He marked his return on the pitch for 30 minutes in a 1-1 draw of two halves of 30. Also in action were Toni Kross and David Alaba. The 34-year-old French striker also wore the armband for the Los Blancos.
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The striker had enjoyed a great year at club level as he played a pivotal part in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League glory, culminating in his first Ballon d’Or award this year.