In his interview with Le Parisien published today, Didier Deschamps has revealed that several French national team veterans have been invited to Les Bleus’ match against The Netherlands at the end of the month, to pay tribute to their international careers.
The game, which takes places at the Stade de France on March 24, will be the first of the team’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Deschamps indicates that Karim Benzema has been invited – despite the apparent feud between the two over the Real Madrid man’s exit from the World Cup squad. Amid conflicting reports on his injury status on the eve of the opening match, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner ostensibly announced his retirement after the final of the tournament.
Other recently-retired French internationals who have been invited include defender Raphaël Varane, as well as goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda. Blaise Matuidi, who called time on his time with Les Bleus shortly after the 2018 World Cup win, has also been invited.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
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