Karim Benzema announces his withdrawal from international football

BREAKING NEWS: Karim Benzema has announced his withdrawal from international football and has admitted mistakes he made after being sent home from the World Cup in a row with coach Didier Deschamps.

Karim Benzema announced his retirement from international football after missing France’s campaign to the World Cup final.

Benzema was sent home on the eve of the tournament after suffering an injury, but there was some speculation that he could have returned for the final after playing in a friendly match for Real Madrid.

However, he reportedly turned down the chance to return to Qatar after a falling out with manager Didier Deschamps, and has now taken to social media to confirm he has decided to take time out from his international career.

Karim Benzema decided to retire from international football after his absence from the World Cup

Benzema announced his decision on Instagram Monday afternoon

Benzema announced his decision on Instagram Monday afternoon

Benzema's announcement comes after a row with France coach Didier Deschamps

Benzema’s announcement comes after a row with France coach Didier Deschamps

It took the effort and the mistakes that went into getting me to where I am today and I’m proud of that! I wrote my story and our story is about to end.

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Benzema’s surprise announcement comes less than 24 hours after France’s defeat by Argentina denied Deschamps’ side their quest to win back-to-back World Cups.

Benzema rejected an offer from French President Emmanuel Macron to fly his private plane to Qatar to participate in the final on Sunday.

However, he did send a good luck message to his teammates that read: “It’s time… all together. Famonos. Come on to Les Bleus.”

Benzema has scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for France - but it hasn't been without controversy

Benzema has scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for France – but it hasn’t been without controversy

Benzema (left)'s relationship with France coach Didier Deschamps (right) is reported to have broken

Benzema (left)’s relationship with France coach Didier Deschamps (right) is reported to have broken

Benzema, who was pictured in a friendly match last week, will focus solely on Real Madrid

Benzema, who was pictured in a friendly match last week, will focus solely on Real Madrid

Deschamps plans to hold talks with the French Football Federation in the new year about his future, but Benzema chose not to wait to see how those discussions played out and resigned from the national team.

Benzema finished his France career with 37 goals in 97 international matches, but his journey with the national team has been far from smooth since his debut 15 years ago.

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