Max Alain Gradel Gets Emotional as He Retires From Ivory Coast, Scores in Final Match

• Max-Alain Gradel has retired from international football
• The Ivorian winger made his last appearance against Benin
• He was part of the team that won the 2023 Nations Cup

Legendary Ivorian footballer, Max-Alain Gradel, broke down in tears as he played his final game for the African champions.

The 36-year-old decided to retire from international football after 14 years with the Elephants, winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles.

Max Gradel made his final appearance for Ivory Coast in their friendly against Benin on Saturday, scoring a leveller in the 30th minute of the 2-2 draw.

The former Leeds and Bournemouth forward enjoyed a stellar career with the national team, crowning his efforts with AFCON 2023 success.

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The veteran forward was key to Ivory Coast's success at the tournament hosted in his home nation, starring in the elimination stages of the competition.

"I have devoted almost 14 years of my international career to my country. It is time that I think of myself," he said.

Max Gradel was presented with flowers with players from both sides giving him a guard of honour, as spotted on social media.

Moments after scoring against Benin, who were also the team he made his debut against, his teammates ran to celebrate the moment with the the winger.

The fans at the stadium also stood up to give him a massive round of applause.

He made 112 appearances for Ivory Coast, scoring 17 goals, per Transfermarkt.

Max-Gradel becomes the last player from the 2012 Ivorian team that reached the AFCON final to retire.

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Max Gradel visits mother of fan

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ivory Coast forward Max Gradel visited the mother of a fan who passed away following the defeat to Equatorial Guinea during the Africa Cup of Nations.

The host nation were battered in the final Group A game 4-0 and were on the brink of elimination at the tournament on home soil.

However, they were miraculously handed a lifeline after Morocco defeated Zambia to keep them in the competition as one of the best third-placed teams.