National Daily can confirm that France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football after missing the World Cup.

The 35-year-old Benzema who was expected to lead the line for France in the just concluded World Cup in Qatar was sadly ruled out of the tournament just days before the commencement as a result of a thigh injury.

The Blues were plagued with injury crisis, but were able to recover well enough as Didier Deschamps’ side reached the final before they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Argentina.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema finally retires from France national team

‘I have made the efforts and the mistakes to be where I am today and I’m proud of it!’ Benzema said on Twitter on his 35th birthday. ‘I have written my story and now ours has reached its end.’

Benzema has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past decade, scoring 329 goals in 617 appearances for Real Madrid and helping the Spanish giants win five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.

His international career has been more turbulent as he was exiled for more than five years due to a sex-tape scandal involving former France team-mate Mathieu Valbeuna.

As a result, Benzema missed France’s World Cup win in 2018, only coming back into the side ahead of Euro 2020, where Deschamps’ team suffered an early exit.

Benzema, who finishes his international career with 37 goals in 97 games, did at least get his hands on some silverware for France by helping them win the Nations League last year.

While Benzema steps away from the international game, he will continue to be a key player for Real Madrid, having won the Ballon d’Or earlier this year for his performances across the 2021-22 season.

There was talk that Benzema could make a sensational return to the France team in the knockout stages of the World Cup but that did not materialise.

France, meanwhile, could be on the lookout for a new manager following their World Cup final defeat in Qatar.

Deschamps’ contract was due to expire after the tournament and he will hold talks over his future next month, with the French FA desperate for him to stay.

‘We will meet with Deschamps, I can’t wait to see his state of mind, we will do it quickly,’ said FFF president Noel Le Graet.

The manager’s agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, added: ‘It’s an important decision. It concerns his future. It’s a very personal decision.

‘Didier will return to France, take a few days of rest, reflection. At the beginning of January, as he announced, he will see the president Le Graet to announce his decision.

‘I believe that everything takes time. It’s a decision that concerns a professional future, a future in short. It’s not done lightly, in a stadium, after a final and such a scenario.

‘It’s a decision that must be taken calmly. Of course, everyone is waiting for his decision, but I think he will make it in due time. He is the master of his decision. He will make it when he wants to make it.