Speaking to Téléfoot, following Antoine Griezmann’s (33) decision to retire from international football, Didier Deschamps commented on his relationship with the Atlético Madrid attacking midfielder.

Griezmann’s relationship with Deschamps has not always been perfect. The 33-year-old was disappointed when he was overlooked to become captain of Les Bleus. Kylian Mbappé was ultimately handed the captain’s armband instead of the former Barcelona player.

However, Deschamps has played a role in the sheer length of the Frenchman’s career at the international level. Téléfoot understands that Griezmann would have retired 5 years earlier in 2019 if it wasn’t for efforts from the Les Bleus head coach to persuade him. The former Marseille manager travelled to Madrid to convince the Mâcon-born attacker to continue to play. His efforts were successful, with the former France international agreeing to continue for another half of a decade. Despite their up-and-down relationship, it is one that Deschamps appreciated, “He has always been honest… Our relationship has always remained fluid.”

GFFN | Liam Wraith