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Laurent Koscielny to retire after World Cup

France and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny reveals that he will retire from international football after next summer's World Cup in Russia.

France and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has announced that he will retire from international football after next summer's World Cup in Russia.

The 32-year-old made his debut for Les Bleus in 2011 and could be in line to win his 50th cap when Didier Deschamps's side host Wales in a friendly at the Stade de France on Friday.

Koscielny has featured in the last three major tournaments for his country, including helping them to the Euro 2016 final on home soil last year, but he revealed that he will call time on his France career after one more.

"There is an end to everything. After the World Cup, I will be almost 33 years old, it will be time to leave the place," he told reporters.

"I have six months left in the French team to blossom and take as many memories, as my wife would say."

Koscielny has scored just one goal in his 49 international appearances, with that coming in a 3-0 win over Scotland in June 2016.

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Didier Deschamps of France reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between France and Germany at Maracana on July 4, 2014
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