Connect with us

News

France’s Griezmann retires from internationalsFrance forward Antoine Griezmann holding the World Cup trophy

Published

01 October 2024

France forward Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football.

The Atletico Madrid player, 33, made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals, and helped them win the 2018 World Cup, converting a penalty in the final as France beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow.

He also won the 2021 Nations League with his country.

“It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon,” he said in a video posted on social media.

“After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.

“Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.”

Griezmann started for France in a 3-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in September before his last appearance came as a substitute in a 2-0 win against Belgium three days later.

He has revealed his decision prior to the next international break in October when France play Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.

Griezmann has been a key member of the France squad under manager Didier Deschamps since making his debut under him in 2014.

He was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France finished runners-up, losing to Portugal in the final.

Griezmann also played in the 2022 World Cup final when France were beaten on penalties by Argentina after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

He missed out to Kylian Mbappe in March 2023 in being named captain of his country following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, with Griezmann admitting to finding the decision “tough” to take, external before going on to play at Euro 2024.

However, France struggled for form at the tournament in Germany and were beaten by eventual winners Spain in the semi-finals.

“We’ve had a long discussion about [his retirement] recently,” said Deschamps. “Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness.

“Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history.

“It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”

Mbappe, who now plays for Real Madrid after leaving Paris St-Germain in the summer, called Griezmann “one of the most important players of the modern era in our selection”.

He added: “Thank you for the unforgettable memories you gave us, you supported this team for years and greatly contributed to bringing it to the top with numerous titles.

“I will never forget the honour and pleasure it was to play alongside you for so many years.”

Source BBC

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

FC Tamale President Ibrahim Gagbuni Supports Northern Women’s Football Unity Games‎

Details

Published: September 5, 2026

Published at: 7:30Pm

By Abu Liza


‎ President of FC Tamale, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbuni, has demonstrated his commitment to the development of women’s football in the Northern Region by donating 10 family packs of Verna drinking water to the Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association.



‎The donation is to support the Association’s upcoming Unity Games in Kumbungu, an initiative aimed at bringing women’s football clubs together to promote unity, friendship, sportsmanship and community cohesion.

‎Mr. Gagbuni said football goes beyond competition and can serve as a powerful tool for unity, peace and humanity. He encouraged participating clubs, players, officials and organizers to use the games to strengthen relationships and promote the development of women’s football in the region.



‎The FC Tamale President noted that although the donation may be modest, it represents his willingness to support initiatives that create opportunities and improve the welfare of women involved in football.

‎The Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as an important show of solidarity and support for the Unity Games.



‎The Unity Games in Kumbungu are expected to bring together women’s football clubs in a spirit of friendship, healthy competition and collective development

Continue Reading

News

NAFCO Warns Public Against Fraudsters Posing as Agents to Secure School Feeding Contracts

Details

Published: September 3, 2026

Published at: 06:12Pm

By Saibu Terry

The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has cautioned members of the public against individuals allegedly posing as agents of the company and claiming to have influence over the award of food supply contracts to second-cycle institutions.

According to NAFCO, the individuals are going around soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them secure food supply contracts.

In a disclaimer issued by its Corporate Affairs Department on Thursday, September 3, 2026, NAFCO stressed that no third party is engaged in the award and allocation of contracts for food supplies to schools.

The company explained that it operates an open-door policy and encouraged interested entities to register at its offices nationwide and undergo a rigorous merit-based selection process.

NAFCO warned that the selection process is devoid of third-party influence and urged the public to disregard anyone who claims to have connections or influence over the award of food supply contracts.

The company further advised anyone approached by individuals soliciting money in exchange for assistance in securing food supply contracts to report them to the nearest police station.

For further clarification on NAFCO’s operations, the company urged the public to contact its hotlines on 0244669709, 0549004501, and 0269983462, or email info@nafco.gov.gh.

NAFCO reiterated that members of the public should exercise caution and avoid making payments to individuals who claim they can influence the contract award process.

Continue Reading

News

Former Ghanaian Footballer Jafar Samed Issah Cheers on Friend Jaleen Smith as Croatia Thrash Latvia‎

Details

Published: August 29, 2026

Published at: 01:18Pm

By Saibu Terry

‎Former Ghanaian professional footballer Abdul Jafar Samed Issah was in attendance, alongside his spouse Khadija , to support his close friend Jaleen Devon Smith as Croatia secured a convincing 115–80 victory over Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday, August 27, 2026.



‎Issah, who enjoyed a professional football career with stints in Denmark, Latvia, Ethiopia and other European destinations, made time to cheer on Smith as Croatia bounced back strongly following their defeat to Germany.

‎Smith was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive performance, showcasing the form and quality that have made him an important figure for the national team. The result provided Croatia with a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign.



‎Beyond the sporting arena, Smith and Issah have developed a close friendship over the past year. Their relationship has extended beyond football and basketball, with the pair sharing ideas about potential humanitarian and community-development projects in northern Ghana.



‎Smith, an American-born professional basketball player who has represented Croatia at international level, has developed a growing admiration for Ghana and is reportedly keen to contribute to initiatives that could positively impact communities in the northern part of the country.

‎The friendship between the two sports personalities has therefore evolved into more than a personal connection, with discussions around future projects creating excitement among Smith’s supporters and admirers in Ghana.

‎Smith recently signed with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he is set to compete in the Israeli Premier League and EuroCup. As he continues to make an impact on the basketball court, his growing connection with Ghana through his friendship with Jafar Samad Issah could open the door to meaningful humanitarian initiatives in the future.

‎For Issah, Thursday’s game was another opportunity to stand firmly behind his friend and celebrate Croatia’s emphatic victory over Latvia.

Continue Reading