Laurent Koscielny to retire from France duty after 2018 World Cup

Arsenal defender Koscielny has collected 49 caps since his debut in 2011, playing in the 2014 World Cup and two European Championships

Laurent Koscielny will stand down from France duty after the World Cup (AFP)

Laurent Koscielny will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 32-year-old has said.

Arsenal defender Koscielny has collected 49 caps since his debut in 2011, playing in the 2014 World Cup and two European Championships including the 2016 edition when the hosts finished runners-up.

"There is an end to everything," Koscielny said ahead of Friday's friendly against Wales. "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."

France host Wales at the Stade de France before travelling to face world champions Germany next Tuesday.