'Forgotten' defender Laurent Koscielny retires from France duty

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny announced Sunday his retirement from the France national team and admitted the nation winning the World Cup without him caused him "a lot more psychological damage" than his long-term injury.

The 33-year-old missed Les Bleus' triumph this summer due to an Achilles issue suffered at the end of last season. He has now confirmed in a startlingly frank interview that he will not look to win back his place in Didier Deschamps' squad, also revealing he feels he had become something of a forgotten man.

"I think that I have given everything I can for France," the center-back told Canal+, as reported by Sky Sports' Matthew Treadwell. "I am 33, I have done two Euros, one World Cup.

"France has a great generation of great players now. My injury does not change my decision. For Les Bleus, it is finished.

"When you are in good form, you have lots of friends. When you are injured... after a certain period of time, you are forgotten about.

"He (Deschamps) called me once for my birthday in September. Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach. It feels like a hit on the back of the head.

"France's World Cup victory did me a lot more psychological damage than my injury did me."

Following the airing of the interview, the Arsenal captain tweeted to thank fans for their supportive messages.

Arsenal captain Koscielny's last appearance for France came in a 3-1 friendly victory over Russia in March. In his absence, Deschamps' side stormed to a second world title, conceding just six goals in seven games.

Though he unexpectedly returned to Gunners training well ahead of schedule in late August, he has now called time on international duty. He finishes his France career having won 51 senior caps since 2011.