KARIM Benzema has called time on his international career with France, the Real Madrid star announced today.
The striker, who clocked 35 today, was not in the France squad that reached last night’s Qatar 2022 World Cup final due to injury.
France lost 4-2 on penalties to Argentina after full-time and extra-time ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
“I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I wrote my story and ours ends,” Benzema wrote on Twitter today.
The Real Madrid striker played 97 times for the national team, scoring 37 goals and assisting 20.
He made his international debut in 2007 but has missed out on some major occasions under controversial circumstances.
Benzema was not involved in the 2016 European Championships campaign on home soil as France reached the final and the Russia 2018 World Cup triumph, both times due to a blackmail scandal involving him and some teammates.
He was however recalled in 2021 and included in the Euro 2020 squad, where he scored four goals as France crashed out early.
He also played a key role as France won the UEFA Nations League title, scoring against Belgium and Spain in the finals.
