Franck Ribery announces retirement from international football

Franck Ribery announced his retirement from the France national team on Wednesday. The 31 year old is the second Bayern player this summer to announce his retirement from international football since the end of the World Cup. Philipp Lahm was the first.

In an interview with Kicker, Ribery stated that he wanted to spend more time with his family and dedicate his remaining energy to Bayern. "I'm stopping. I've realized the moment has arrived. It's time to hand it over to all the fantastic young players in the national team."

Ribery retires with 16 goals in 81 appearances leaving him in 17th place on Les Bleus all time goal scorers list, level with Laurent Blanc. He featured in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships for France. He missed out on this year's World Cup with a back injury. The decision to retire now, means that Ribery will not get the opportunity to represent his national team at the 2016 European Championship held in France.

For now, Ribery remains out with a knee injury, and we hope that he returns to training soon.