Laurent Koscielny has confirmed his retirement from international football and taken a swipe at France boss Didier Deschamps in the process.
The 33-year-old suffered an achilles injury in Arsenals Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the end of last season and missed the World Cup as a result.
To rub salt into the wound, his country went on to win the tournament – becoming champions for the first time since 1998.
He claims Les Blues victory caused him a lot of psychological damage and announced his retirement from French national team duty.
Frances World Cup victory did me a lot more psychological damage than my injury did me, he told Canal +.
I think that I have given everything I can for France, I am 33, I have done two Euros, one World Cup.
France has a great generation of great players now. My injury does not change my decision.
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For Les Bleus, it is finished.
Koscielny also hit out at France boss Deschamps for not offering him any support during his injury worries.
He called me once for my birthday in September, the centre-back added.
Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach. It feels like a hit on the back of the head.
When you are in good form, you have lots of friends. When you are injured… after a certain period of time, you are forgotten about.
Koscielny is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season as he continues his recovery.
More: Arsenal FC
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Laurent Koscielny has confirmed his retirement from international football and taken a swipe at France boss Didier Deschamps in the process.
The 33-year-old suffered an achilles injury in Arsenals Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the end of last season and missed the World Cup as a result.
To rub salt into the wound, his country went on to win the tournament – becoming champions for the first time since 1998.
He claims Les Blues victory caused him a lot of psychological damage and announced his retirement from French national team duty.
Frances World Cup victory did me a lot more psychological damage than my injury did me, he told Canal +.
I think that I have given everything I can for France, I am 33, I have done two Euros, one World Cup.
France has a great generation of great players now. My injury does not change my decision.
Advertisement Advertisement
For Les Bleus, it is finished.
Koscielny also hit out at France boss Deschamps for not offering him any support during his injury worries.
He called me once for my birthday in September, the centre-back added.
Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach. It feels like a hit on the back of the head.
When you are in good form, you have lots of friends. When you are injured… after a certain period of time, you are forgotten about.
Koscielny is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season as he continues his recovery.
More: Arsenal FC
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