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It’s been almost three months (September 30) since Antoine Grizmann decided to retire from the French team. “After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation. (…) I leave the France team with a deep feeling of pride and gratitude. I had the honor of representing our country and the chance to experience extraordinary moments like becoming world champion. I will continue to follow the Blues with passion and support this team which has given me so much. (…) I can’t wait to see the next generation shine.»
In this video announcing his departure from the Blues after 10 years of shared history, 137 matches, 44 goals and a world champion trophy in 2018 as the highlight, the vice-captain of the team considered his time to be over. Euro 2024 was painful between a vacillating starting status, a lack of physical freshness and a widening gap with the new generation. The Atlético de Madrid player saw all his loved ones gradually leave: Hugo Lloris, then Paul Pogba, Olivier Giroud, who also retired after the Euro, and Benjamin Pavard including Didier Deschamps has been happening more and more in recent months.
Maignan’s speech against Italy hurt him
According to The Teamthe September gathering had a considerable impact. There was this defeat against Italy at the Parc des Princes (3-1), the one where Mike Maignan spoke to criticize the attitude of all his teammates. The doorman criticized the star behavior of some people. The dig was addressed to quite a few executives, including Kylian Mbappé, but Griezmann also took it personally. He saw it as the signal to retire internationally, which was confirmed half-heartedly by a member of the Blues staff in Maignan. “You put a bullet in his head.”. The decision has been made and there will be no going back.
“I am very proud and very surprised by all the nice messages I have received from supporters or people in the football world. It touched me. I am happy to have left this beautiful mark. Yes, it’s completely over. It’s not on a whim and it’s carefully considered.» confided the Colchonero to Canal+ on the evening of his team’s victory against PSG in the Champions League. He also did not always understand his management by Didier Deschamps, even if the link between the two men will remain strong. And even a very hypothetical return of Paul Pogba to the France team would not change the 33-year-old striker’s mind. On the other hand, he will be there on March 23 at the Stade de France for the tribute that will be paid to him and Olivier Giroud on the occasion of France-Croatia.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
