Former France midfielder Blaise Matuidi has announced his retirement from professional football.

Matuidi won the World Cup with France in 2018, and has been winding down his career at Inter Miami over the last two years.

With his contract set to expire on December 31, he has confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots for good.  

In a statement posted on his Instagram, Matuidi wrote: 'Football, I loved you so much. Football, you have given me so much, but it's time to stop. When I look back on this long journey, my eyes are full of stars.

I fulfilled my dreams as a child, my dreams as a man. It's a tight throat but I'm proud to turn this page today.

Thank you to the people who allowed me to be part of this amazing journey. Thanks to my teammates who became my friends, my brothers.

Thank you coaches, managers, high level players, and also amateur football, volunteers. Thank you to my family who always supported me.

Finally, thank you to you, who have always given me the strength and extra soul to go higher.

Matuidi started four of France's seven games in Russia four years ago, including the final, as Didier Deschamps' men beat Croatia 4-2 to win the nation's second World Cup.

He was also part of the squad that made the Euro 2016 final, only to lose to Portugal in Paris. 

Matuidi made his final international appearance in October 2019, and finished with nine goals in 84 caps for his country.

The 35-year-old enjoyed great success at club level as well, winning five league titles at PSG before adding a further three to his collection at Juventus.

His move to Inter Miami in 2020 marked the end of his time in European football, and he has now brought an end to his glittering career.