World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, one of France’s most influential players over the past decade, took the Soccer world by surprise Monday when he announced the end of his international career with Les Bleus.

The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid forward, affectionately nicknamed “Grizou” by his supporters, has played 137 matches with France, scoring 44 goals during a successful 10-year tenure. Griezmann’s decision was unexpected after he said only a few weeks ago that he was ready to carry on with the national team until the 2026 World Cup.

His exit, following in the footsteps of other World Cup winners including Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris, marks the end of an era for France.

“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann said in a message posted on Instagram. “Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon.”

Griezmann - Atletico’s s all-time record scorer - started with France in 2014 in a friendly match against the Netherlands then quickly established himself as a stalwart of the team coached by Didier Deschamps with his versatile talent and influence as both a goalscorer and an assist provider.

Only two players, Lloris and Lilian Thuram, have played more international games with France than Griezmann.

He is fourth on France’s list of all-time scorers behind Giroud, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe. He played a key role in helping France to a runner-up finish at the 2016 European Championship, where he was the player of the tournament, won the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League three years later with his French teammates.

Agence France-Presse