Date: 14th October 2018 at 10:49pm
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Laurent Koscielny has announced his retirement from international football.

The centre-back who is still recovering from an achilles injury picked up in April has called time after being handed 51 caps for France.

Koscielny missed this summer’s World Cup in Russia after suffering the problem playing for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League, and has now decided to focus on his club career.

The 33-year-old is close to regaining fitness for Arsenal and is due start full training in November.

But he has admitted that he suffered a psychological set-back during his recovery.

“France’s World Cup victory did me a lot more psychological damage than my injury did me,” he told France TV network Canal + (via Express).

“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. For Les Bleus, it is finished.”

The 33 year-old then hit out at France boss Didier Deschamps for not supporting him.

Koscielny criticised Didier Deschamps for a lack of support

“He called me once for my birthday in September,” the Arsenal captain said.

“Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach.

“It feels like a hit on the back of the head.”

Koscielny revealed how part of him hoped that France did not win the tournament due to his frustration in missing out.

 

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