Bayern's Ribery calls time on his France career

Bayern's Ribery calls time on his France career

After missing the World Cup through injury, Franck Ribery has announced his retirement from international football.

The Bayern Munich forward has made 81 appearances and scored 16 goals for France, but, if he sticks to his word, he will not add to those tallies in a blue shirt.

It's a decision which carries a small amount of surprise because France are due to host the European Championships in two years time.

However, Ribery feels that will be the perfect platform for the country's young stars.

"I want to focus on my family and concentrate on my work at Bayern Munich and make way in the national team for the many young and exciting players," Ribery told German magazine Kicker.

"One has to know when to stop. I have experienced so much and now is the time for others to come forward. 

"You could see at the World Cup that we should have no concerns about France's future.

"There were highs and lows but now is the time to start a new chapter in my life."

Ribery retires having played at two World Cups - in 2006 and 2010 - and it must have been a bitter blow for him to miss out on this summer's tournament in Brazil.