Koscielny to retire after World Cup

France defender Laurent Koscielny will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 32-year-old has said. Koscielny has collected 49 caps since his debut in 2011, playing in the 2014 World Cup and two European Championships including the 2016 edition when the hosts finished runners-up.

Is Laurent Koscielny right to retire from international football? pic.twitter.com/Aptc8hcOl9

— Goal (@goal) November 7, 2017

"There is an end to everything," Koscielny told reporters ahead of Friday's friendly against Wales. "After the World Cup, I would be almost 33-years-old, it will be time to leave the place.

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny plans to retire from international duty with France after the 2018 World Cup. https://t.co/jNtwOSkaex pic.twitter.com/WGP0rzWQUE

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 7, 2017

"I have six months left in the French team to blossom and take as many memories as my wife would say." France host Wales at the Stade de France before travelling to face world champions Germany next Tuesday.