Mathieu announces France retirement: I don’t have the motivation

The Barcelona defender revealed his decision to quit international football with the hope of prolonging his club career

Jeremy Mathieu has confirmed his decision to quit international football, citing a “lack of motivation” to represent France.Thanks for everything, Arsene! Wenger Arsenal’s greatest ever managerThe Barcelona defender was initially included in Les Bleus’ squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Netherlands.However, he performed an abrupt about-turn and withdrew 24 hours later after a conversation with coach Didier Deschamps.Mathieu has only won five caps for his country despite producing strong performances for Valencia and Barca, while he was unlucky to miss out on Euro 2016 with an injury.And the 32-year-old now feels now is the time to put all his focus on his club career. “I thought quite a bit before ending my international career,” Mathieu told L’Equipe. “I did not refuse the call up, it’s just that I wanted to stop.“I do not have the motivation to continue. I want to devote myself to my club.“I will be 35 in 2018 and I want to leave room for younger players.”A mistake waiting to happen ”“ What is wrong with Sergio Ramos?Mathieu discussed the injury that saw him miss out on the European championships on home soil over the summer, and he accepted it as part and parcel of football.“I have no regrets,” he added. “It was not my decision to miss the Euros but there are worse things in life.”Mathieu’s challenge over the coming season is to stave off the threat posed to his first-team place by Samuel Umtiti ”“ who replaced him in Les Blues’ Euro 2016 squad ”“ at Camp Nou.Would burn-out stop Guardiola building a Man City dynasty?But the veteran concluded that he has no trouble with competition, saying: “I will fight to the end and the coach will decide. “I have nothing against Samuel, he is a very good player.”