France’s first-choice goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36. It is believed that he will focus on his Tottenham club career in the English Premier League and he also wants to spend a lot more time with his family.
It is said that he has made this announcement considering that the Euros is in just two and a half years and hence whoever would be his replacement might need time to settle in the roster and understand the plans.
Lloris indeed marked a legacy
Lloris made his international debut in 2008 and since then he has played 7 major tournaments with his nation which include the Euros in 2012, 2016 and 2020 and the FIFA World Cup which were in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
He made a total of 145 appearances and has captained the side at a record number of 122 times and during these appearances, he has won the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Nation’s League. The only trophy that was left for him to win was the Euros which he lost in the 2016 final against Portugal.
On his retirement, he said, “There comes a time when you have to know how to hand over the reins. I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first. I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready (Mike Maignan). I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children.”
Hugo even lead his team to the World Cup final in Qatar but they just lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. And along with him, his former team-mate Gareth Bale also announced his retirement from football on the same day. All in all, Lloris is one of the finest players to ever play for France and he would certainly go down in history.
