France coach Didier Deschamps says he understands Jeremy Mathieu’s decision to retire from international duty after the Barcelona defender said he lacked the motivation to continue playing for les bleus.

I understand Mathieu's decision, says Deschamps

“It’s his decision and I understand it. He could have told me before the squad was announced but it’s true that Jeremy’s experience with France hasn’t been the happiest,” he said at a press conference on Monday.

Following Mathieu’s decision Deschamps opted to call up Valencia’s on-loan defender Eliaquim Mangala for France’s World Cup qualifiers with Bulgaria (7th October) and Holland (11th October).

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Mathieu the wrong side of 30

“I also understand that he’s not a young player [he’ll be 35 by the time the 2018 World Cup kicks off],” Deschamps continued. “I don’t want players who aren’t fully committed, and he’s been honest with me. I wish him luck with the rest of his club career.”

Mathieu made his international debut back in 2011 but has won just 5 caps since then. He missed out on France’s Euro 2016 campaign with a calf injury and was replaced in the squad by his now Barcelona teammate Samuel Umtiti.