Koscielny to retire from French national team after 2018 World Cup

Laurent Koscielny has decided the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his last for country, announcing his retirement from international football following the tournament.

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The Arsenal and France defender has represented Les Bleus on 49 occasions but is now ready to step back from the international game.

"Yes I think (I will retire from France)," Koscielny told a press conference. "I have six months left to enjoy my time with France. After that, it will be time to give my place to young players behind me.

"I think I have done what I wanted to do in this team. I will make the most of these memories until June."

Koscielny, 32, made his France debut in 2011 and was part of the squads that played at Euro 2012, the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, losing in the final of the latter to Portugal at Stade-Francais. 

And despite leaving the international game behind, Koscienly is not ready to hang up his boots in club football yet.

"I still have a few more years in front of me but maybe it's my last months in the French team," he said when asked if the arrival of a younger generation of France players has made him feel older.

"It's normal, there's an end to everything. I have to take advantage of the days here."

Having already qualified for the 2018 World Cup, Koscielny and France will face Wales and Germany in a pair of friendlies during the November international break.