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Griezmann Ended France Career To Captaincy Snub?

Griezmann Ended France Career To Captaincy Snub?

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 27: Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe of France look on during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between Republic of Ireland and France at Dublin Arena on March 27, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Oisin Keniry/Getty Images)

A former France star claims the captaincy issue was a big reason why Antoine Griezmann retired from international football.

The Atletico Madrid star surprised the footballing world earlier this month when he announced his decision to call it quits for France.

1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit believes not getting the captain's armband and Paul Pogba's absence played  role in Griezmann's decision.

Read: 'Lamine Yamal Has More Talent Than Vinicius Junior'

"I totally agree [that Griezmann is underrated on the global stage], I think he's one of the best footballers in French history, in terms of assists, goals, regularity, caps, what he brought to the national team for years. I think we have to talk about Mbappe again….," Petit told Football Espana.

"For me, the captaincy issue has killed Griezmann in the national team. He was supposed to get the armband two years ago, and Deschamps decided to give it to Kylian Mbappe.

"It was a huge, huge blow for Griezmann, he received a huge kick in the head after this. You have to take into account that Paul Pogba is not in the team anymore too.

"Pogba and Griezmann were like this [crosses fingers], they loved each other. Out on the pitch as well.

"I saw yesterday again, the commentary on the pitch, and they were so close to each other, as human beings.

"They played together very well on the pitch. The fact that Pogba was not there, and the captaincy thing, you could see that he was not at the same level in Didier Deschamps mind."

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