Antoine Griezmann initially planned to retire from international football in 2019 | OneFootball

According to Téléfoot, Atlético Madrid attacking midfielder Antoine Griezmann (33) initially planned to retire from international football and representing France in 2019. The Frenchman planned to retire due to a lack of recognition within the Les Bleus set-up.

Griezmann was all but ready to announce his decision to retire from football at the international level before Didier Deschamps intervened. The France boss personally travelled to Madrid to convince the former Barcelona attacking midfielder to continue to play international football. Deschamps was successful in his attempt to persuade the 33-year-old.

A 5-year delay

Fast-forward 5 years and Griezmann has announced his decision to retire from international football. Despite the attacking midfielder being 33, Deschamps is said to be shocked by the Mâcon-born player’s decision to hang up his boots for Les Bleus.

GFFN | Liam Wraith