Laurent Koscielny will call time on international duty after the World Cup to prolong career at the top level
Veteran defender has earned 49 caps over three major tournaments for France but the competition in Russia will be his last.
ARSENAL defender Laurent Koscielny will call time on his international career after next summer's World Cup.
The 32-year-old has racked up 49 caps for France since making his debut in 2011.
Koscielny has played in three major tournaments for Les Bleus but the tournament in Russia next year will be his last.
It is believed the injury-prone centre-back wants to prolong his career at club level which convinced him to hang up his boots for his country.
Speaking to L'Equipe, he said: "There is an end to everything.
"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."
It will be welcome news for Gunners supporters after the defender has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
DRAWN THE SHORTS STRAW Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny and Manchester City playmaker David Silva caught swapping SHORTS after Sunday showdown
He had 33 league starts in the last two seasons before making just 26 starts in the campaign previous.
Koscielny is tied down to Arsenal until the summer of 2020 when he'll be on the verge of his 35th birthday.
Meanwhile Koscielny's international compatriot Olivier Giroud has handed Arsenal an injury scare.
The striker is currently on international duty ahead of Les Blues' friendly against Wales on Friday.
And there will be some nervous times ahead of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger after Giroud was pictured lying on the grass in pain holding his lower leg.
The worrying incident came during a training session in Clairefontaine.
