France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, has announced his retirement from international football.
The 36-year-old's last match for Les Bleus was the 2022 World Cup final in December, in which France were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shoot-out.Â
He had previously led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup final.
Lloris made a record 145 appearances for France from 2008-22, captaining the team 121 times, also a record.
He made his international debut in 2008 and went on to play in the European Championship four times as well as four World Cup tournaments.
"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," he told French sports newspaper L'Equipe.
"I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready," he added, in what is believed to be a reference to Milan's 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," said Lloris, who will continue playing for Tottenham in the Premier League.