Arsenal defender William Saliba sends wordless message after emotional announcement
Arsenal defender William Saliba has paid tribute to Anthony Griezmann following his retirement from international football. The 33-year-old announced on Monday that he had called time on his career with France, where he won the World Cup under Didier Deschamps.
Griezmann, who plays his club football for Atletico Madrid, became the latest high-profile Les Bleus star to make a career-changing decision after Raphael Varane announced he was hanging up his boots. The attacker made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals, with his last appearance coming in a 2-0 win at home to Belgium in the Nations League, putting an end to a 10-year senior career at international level.
Arsenal defender Saliba was among the players to pay tribute to the France icon. The 23-year-old has made all but one of his 23 international caps with Griezmann in the squad and reacted with a crying face and red heart emojis.
"It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon," he said in a video posted on social media.
"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. Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege."
Griezmann calls time on his time with the Les Bleus but for Saliba and his France teammates, they will be back in action this month against Israel and Belgium. Deschamps has yet to name his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures but it is expected that the 23-year-old will be in contention to be selected.
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