Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris Retires from French National Team at 36

France’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, revealed his retirement from international football on Monday evening, January 9, at the age of 36.

The Tottenham and France goalkeeper, who earned a record 145 caps and captained the team 122 times, announced his retirement after the disappointment of losing the World Cup final against Argentina in Qatar last year as France aimed to defend their 2018 title.

On Instagram, Lloris stated, “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.”

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‘I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready (AC Milan’s Mike Maignan).

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‘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.’

The French team’s official Twitter account posted a picture of a smiling Lloris with the caption: ‘A legend. Bravo and thank you for everything Hugo.’

Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps added, “He told me about his decision a few days ago. I must – we are disappointed – respect his decision even if he still had his place in our team, as he demonstrated at the last World Cup in Doha. A very big servant of the French team bows out and I want to salute his exceptional career.”

“During his career from 2008 to 2022, Lloris played in four World Cups and three European Championship tournaments.”

He captained France to glory in Russia in 2018, before his side fell short four years later, losing 4-2 on penalties against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in December.