France Captain Hugo Lloris and Wales Captain Gareth Bale are the latest stars to retire from international football. Is it the end of a golden generation?
France Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has announced his retirement from international football aged 36. The Tottenham Hotspur number 1 has joined Wales Captain Gareth Bale, who retired from football less than 24 hours before him, aged 33.
France lost to Argentina in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final on 18th December, on penalties. The legendary goalkeeper must have felt content with his numerous achievements including four years earlier when France lifted the World Cup in Russia. At age 36, his chances of featuring for the next are slim.
Speaking to the French publication L’Equipe Lloris said,
“I’ve decided to stop my international career, with the feeling that I have given everything.
“I think it is important to announce this now, two-and-a-half months before the start of Euro qualifying.”
Gibraltar, Greece, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland make up France’s group for the Euro 2024 qualifying round.
Lloris made his France debut against Uruguay in November 2008, at age 21. Since then he has achieved 145 caps, making him the leading in Les Bleus’ all-time records.
As reported by BBC, the goalkeeper said, “To have been the France goalkeeper for 14-and-a-half seasons is a big deal, but it is also mentally exhausting and I hope clearing some time for myself will allow me to keep playing at the highest level for a few more years.”
Gareth Bale Retires from Football
Former Wales, Tottenham and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has retired from football aged 33. Bale was a critical part of the Wales squad at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and is arguably the greatest Welsh player in history. Gareth Bale won five Champions League titles and La Liga three times at Real Madrid.
Last season, Bale played for Los Angeles FC but made only 2 starts in four months. His best contribution to LAFC was to head home to tie the score at 3-3 in the 127th minute of the MLS Cup final and force a penalty shootout, which LAFC won.
Bale has proved to be a big-game player on several occasions. He demonstrated this when playing for Real Madrid, scoring crucial goals in two Champions League finals as well as the Copa del Rey final fixture with Barcelona.
Bale wrote on social media,
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
He added, “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.”
Read Also: Eddie Nketiah Scores Brace as Arsenal Advance to the FA Cup Fourth Round
