By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
France striker Karim Benzema announced his retirement from international football on his 35th birthday on Monday, a day after Les Bleus lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final.
Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances for France, missed the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an injury in training the day before the start of the tournament.
“I made the effort and mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I wrote my story and ours is ending,” Benzema wrote on Twitter.
Benzema rejected an offer from French president Emmanuel Macron to take his personal private jet to Qatar for Sunday’s final.
He did, however, post a goodluck message to his team-mates that read: ‘It’s time… all together. Vamonos. Come on Les Bleus.’
Benzema’s journey with the national team has been far from smooth since his debut 15 years ago.
Benzema made his international debut against Austria in March 2007 and scored during his substitute appearance in the second-half.
He was selected for France’s Euro 2008 squad but was criticised for his performances in the group stages of the tournament as the team crashed out early.