Karim Benzema Announces Retirement from International Football

French International, Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football.

He has taken to social media to confirm that he has decided to call time on his international career.

'I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending,' Benzema wrote on Instagram on Monday afternoon.

France were without the Real Madrid striker for their World Cup final clash with Argentina, as the Ballon d'Or winner snubbed an invitation from French president Emmanuel Macron to come to Qatar.

The 34-year-old striker, who claimed the first Ballon d'Or of his glittering career in November, was agonisingly forced to head home after picking up a thigh injury upon arriving in the Gulf state with the rest of Didier Deschamps ' squad.

Amid claims that he's now fully fit, Benzema rejected an invitation from French president Emmanuel Macron to attend the final at the Lusail Stadium.

He has reportedly cut off all contact with the French national team.

The striker, 34, was named in the 26-man France squad for the World Cup prior to the tournament.

Benzema and Deschamps have been embroiled in a long-term feud, dating back to the striker's five-year omission from the national team.

The Ballon d'Or winner was left out of France's Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup squads after falling out with the Blues boss.

But, he was eventually recalled for Euro 2020.

Benzema has scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for France since making his international debut in 2007.