Laurent Koscielny hits out at Didier Deschamps as he reveals the torment of missing the 2018 World Cup

The Arsenal defender is not happy with Deschamps’ failure to contact him after he missed the World Cup with a ruptured Achilles tendon

Laurent Koscielny has retired from international football (Getty)

Laurent Koscielny hit out at France manager Didier Deschamps after announcing his international retirement at the weekend, with the Arsenal defender admitting that their World Cup triumph has hurt him “psychologically” more than the Achilles injury that currently has him sidelined.

The 33-year-old has not played this season after missing the summer World Cup with an ankle injury, having ruptured his Achilles tendon towards the end of last season.

But with the 51-cap centre-back claiming that the injury is not his reason for announcing his retirement, he explained that he no longer sees a place for himself among Deschamps’ squad as they look to build on their success in Russia.

Furthermore, Koscielny proceeded to criticise Deschamps for not contacting him in the wake of his serious injury, and also took a shot at the wider French set-up for their continued silence.

“It feels like a hit on the back of the head,” he said.

“When you are in good form, you have lots of friends. When you are injured... after a certain period of time, you are forgotten about.

“He [Deschamps] called me once for my birthday in September. Otherwise, no. Lots of people disappointed me. Not only the coach.”

The news of his retirement is no surprise given that he announced last year that the 2018 World Cup would be his last tournament, ending an international career that started in November 2011 and saw him compete at the 2014 World Cup and both 2012 and 2016 European Championships.

But with the likes of Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard and Presnel Kimpembe all in the squad and 25 years old or younger, Koscielny believes the time is right to make way for the next generation.

He has, however, spoken of the impact that missing the World Cup has had on him, which left a bigger mark on his mentality than the five-month absence from football.

Koscielny ruptured his Achilles tendon in the Europa League semi-final (Getty)

“The injury is one thing, the victory of the World Cup is another,” Koscielny said. “I think the victory certainly made me much more psychologically hurt than my injury.

“I think I gave the France team what I could. For me, my injury has not changed anything. The Blues are over, after that, I will always be a supporter of the French team but what is certain is that I will not put on the blue jersey.

“I have a new state of mind, there will be the Laurent before and the Laurent after injury. I want to continue to Arsenal, I want to return quickly. I want to fight.”