Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny to retire from France duty after World Cup 2018

Late bloomer: Laurent Koscielny made his senior France debut aged 26
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Alex Young @alexwsyoung7 November 2017

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has announced his plan to retire from international football with France following World Cup 2018.

The 32-year-old, who has 49 international caps, has decided to call time on duties with Les Bleus next summer as he closes in on his 33rd birthday the following September.

Koscielny, who has missed just one Premier League games for Arsenal this season since coming back from injury, is in line to make his 50th France outing this week with friendlies against Wales and Germany lined up.

"There is an end to everything," he told L'Equipe.

"After the World Cup, I would be almost 33 years old, it will be time to leave the place.

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

Koscielny made his senior France debut at the age of 26 after missing out on youth team call-ups.