Hugo Lloris, captain of France and Tottenham Hotspurs, has announced his retirement following a career filled with success and trophies, including two appearances in the World Cup final for Les Bleus.
After three weeks following a penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the tournament’s penultimate game, he has decided to retire from international football.
Breaking: France captain Hugo Lloris has announced his retirement from international football, per L'Équipe. pic.twitter.com/xGwI3sZN8W
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 9, 2023
“I’ve decided to end my international career because I believe I’ve given my all,” stated Lloris.
Hugo Lloris has been France’s reliable goalkeeper since he made his debut for the national team in 2008. He is the first name on the France team sheet and has the most appearances for Les Bleus with 145.
145 games. Four World Cups. Two World Cup finals. One World Cup trophy.
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announces he's retiring from international football 🧤 pic.twitter.com/wcoDtjtoiF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 9, 2023
“I think it is important to announce this now, two-and-a-half months before the start of Euro qualifying.”- Lloris told to the reporters.
“I have really been thinking about it since the end of the World Cup, but there has been something deep inside of me for maybe six months now which grew during the competition, leading me to make this decision,” He further added.
Still wondering how Lloris kept out De Bruyne… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fQJNCJeWnY
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) January 9, 2023
In 2018, Lloris captained France to a historic World Cup triumph following a win against Croatia in the final. Lloris was the team’s architect of success and a key member of the squad.
But recently, the French captain was harshly criticized for his poor performance in the shootout against Argentina, wherein he failed to save a single penalty.
Hugo Lloris announces his international retirement.
Here is the only Penalty he stopped with France.
pic.twitter.com/KTlmX9CGln— El Gato Benzema (@ElGatoKBenzema1) January 9, 2023
“There comes a time when you need to step aside. I have always said the French national team does not belong to any one person. There is a goalkeeper who is ready [AC Milan’s Mike Maignan], and I need a bit more time for me, for my family, and for my children.”
Lloris and his family #clapforNHS 💙 pic.twitter.com/uw8n0G6gTx
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) March 26, 2020
After Didier Deschamps’ contract was extended, Lloris made the decision to retire public, and the manager and his team will be worried about how they can fill the void up left by him.
