Hugo Lloris announced his international football retirement.

Hugo Lloris, the captain of France, announces his departure from international competition on Monday 9th January 2023. The player with the most appearances for the France national team in history, Lloris retires as a World Cup champion.

Web Desk for India Today Hugo Lloris, the 36-year-old captain of the France national football team, made the announcement on Monday.

Lloris led Les Blues to the World Cup championship in 2018 and has played for France in four World Cups, three Euros, and three Euros. The goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur guided his team to the World Cup championship game in Qatar, where they were defeated by Argentina on penalties.

With 145 appearances under his belt, the 36-year-old holds numerous records and is France’s most-capped player. For Les Blues, Lloris made his debut back in November 2008. Two years after making his international debut, he was given the opportunity to lead France in 121 games.

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, spoke about Lloris’ decision to call it quits on his international career and expressed his support for the choice. Deschamps praised the 36-year-old and referred to him as a valuable member of the France national squad.

The France coach continued by thanking Lloris for his services to the team and stating that it was an honor and pleasure to be his trainer.

“Hugo has made the decision to stop playing while still at the top of his game. He recently talked to me about his ideas and choice. Even though he still had a role in our team, as he showed during the most recent World Cup in Doha, I, we, must respect it. I wish to recognize the extraordinary career of one of the French team’s greatest servants as he retires. Beyond all the records he has broken thanks to his brilliance and professionalism, he also played a crucial part in our biggest victories, like the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League, and our most romantic journeys, including the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup.

“On a human level, Hugo is a remarkable individual. When I took over as coach in 2012, he was the captain. I decided to keep the armband for him, and I never looked back; in fact, just the opposite. Hugo has very high expectations for “the French team,” and he has always placed the group’s interests first, often at his own expense. Being his trainer was a pleasure and an honor for me. I wish every coach could manage guys like him. Hugo has my utmost respect and appreciation. I want him to be content. Hugo, thank you so much for standing up for your nation “Deschamps added.