OFFICIAL: Blaise Matuidi announces his retirement

Blaise Matuidi announced on Friday his retirement as a professional footballer at the age of 35. His last professional experience was with David Beckham's Inter Miami.

"I've decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I had the chance to play for the biggest European clubs, wear the France shirt, give my family a buzz, live my passion and they are images that will stay with me. My head, my heart, tell me to stop and to think about those close to me, my wife, my children, and this life I built. I think I've come to the end of what I'm able to bring to the table," he said in a video on YouTube.

The 35-year-old, who started the World Cup final win over Croatia in Russia four years ago, had been omitted from Inter Miami's squad for this season. Midfielder Matuidi won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain and Serie A with Juventus after spending time with Saint-Etienne and Toulouse. He made 84 international appearances, scoring nine times before his final 'Les Bleus' game in 2019.

The French player reached his greatest achievement as a footballer by lifting the 2018 World Cup in Russia. "Dear football, I loved you very much," began his farewell text on social media.

"Football, you gave me so much but the time has come to say goodbye. I fulfilled my childhood dreams and the dreams I had as a man. I say goodbye with a lump in my throat, but with the pride of starting a new page. Thank you!," he concluded. 

He is the first member of France's 2018 squad to retire. In addition, PSG also said farewell to the well-known midfielder on their social media: "Congratulations on your immense career, your professionalism and your good humour!"

 

December 23, 2022