Hugo Lloris, France’s World Cup-winning captain, has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper retires after being capped 145 times for France’s men’s team, 121 of them as captain.

In addition to winning the World Cup in 2018, Lloris was a member of France’s side that won the Nations League in 2021.

He also led them reach the finals of Euro 2016 and the most recent World Cup in Brazil, where they were defeated by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in a thrilling encounter.

“There comes a period when you have to know how to give up the reins,” Lloris told L’Equipe via ESPN.

“I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first. I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready [Mike Maignan].”

Lloris added: “I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children.”

France coach Didier Deschamps hailed Lloris, saying: “Hugo is still at his best and I have, we have, to accept his choice even though he still had his position in our squad as we showed at the World Cup.

The news means Lloris’ final appearance for France came in their World Cup final loss to Argentina in December.