Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from France international duty after reportedly cutting off all contact with coaching staff following the fallout to his injury.
Benzema took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to write: “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending.”
Benzema had been awarded a place in the France squad for the tournament as Didier Deschamps' side aimed to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962. Les Blues were expecting the Ballon d'Or winner to play a leading role at the World Cup.
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However, the striker was subsequently ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury and even though he could have returned to the set-up during the competition having regained fitness and due to being named in the initial squad, that did not materialise.
Benzema even rejected an invite from French president Emmanuel Macron to be part of his private entourage that flew from France to watch Sunday’s final in Qatar. It followed on from the striker cryptically posting on Instagram, saying in French: "Not interested."
The Real Madrid striker enjoyed a stunning year at club level as his goals fired the Spanish giants to the title in La Liga and Champions League glory, culminating in his Ballon d’Or award this year to reflect his achievements.
He was expected to star in the World Cup but his injury changed the France plan, with Olivier Giroud replacing him in the starting line-up. The Milan striker netted four goals in the tournament and became his nation’s all-time leading goal scorer in the process.
Benzema's injury meant he missed out on a World Cup slot having returned to the France set-up last year, following a six-year absence. He was reintegrated back into the squad by Deschamps and had started in a central role in a three-man attack, netting 10 goals in 16 international caps since his return to the fold.
The striker had a tumultuous relationship with the French national team with his period of absence from selection incorporating the nation’s hosting the European Championships in 2016 – when they reached the final – and winning the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
