At 32-years old, a good age to call it quits from football altogether, French Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has decided to not attend Didier Deschamps' call for the upcoming matches France will play early this month. The veteran revealed his decision to French journal L'Equipe where he explained why he has chosen to do this.
The 32-year-old told L'Equipe: "I thought quite a bit before ending my international career. I did not refuse the call-up, it's just that I wanted to stop. I do not have the motivation to continue. I want to devote myself to my club. I will be 35 in 2018 and I want to leave room for younger players."
Mathieu leaves the national team with the tranquility of having players such as Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Aymeric Laporte and Laurent Koscielny to replace him properly, he added: "I have no regrets. It was not my decision to miss the Euros but there are worse things in life. I will fight to the end and the coach will decide. I have nothing against Samuel, he is a very good player."
Photo credit: Jeremy Mathieu