Antoine Griezmann announces retirement from international football

MADRID -- Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann on Monday announced he was retiring from international football with France.

The 33-year-old, who has scored 44 goals in 137 appearances for his country, helping them to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, published his decision on social media, explaining that "with my heart of memories, I am closing this chapter of my life. That you for the magnificent 'tricolor' (red, white and blue) adventure and I will see you soon."

He accompanied his announcement with a video showing highlights of his international career and the French flag.

Griezmann had his international debut on March 5, 2014 in a friendly game against the Netherlands and scored his first goal in a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Nice on June 1st.

The highlight of his career came in the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia, where he helped set up France's opening goal, before scoring the second from the penalty spot. He was named MVP for the game and the third-best player in the tournament.