France’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, announced his retirement from international football aged 36 on Monday, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Lloris departs as France’s most-capped player after making 145 appearances for his country during his career. The skipper announced the news in an interview where he also named Milan’s Mike Maignan as the man to replace him in the national team.
He said: ‘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.
‘I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready (AC Milan’s Mike Maignan).
‘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.’
