Manchester United and France centre-back Raphael Varane, yesterday announced his retirement from international duty at the age of 29.
The 2018 World Cup winner who made his International debut in 2013 and won 93 caps for Les Bleus, shared the news through his Instagram social media account.
“I’ve been thinking about it for several months and I decided it was the right time for me to retire from international football,” Varane wrote on Instagram.
“To represent our magnificent country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Each time I wore this special blue shirt I felt immense pride,” added Varane.
The former Real Madrid star played every minute of his country’s 2018 World Cup campaign as France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final.
France head coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Varane praising him for the leadership qualities he had brought to the team throughout his time with France.
“I cannot turn this page without some emotion, given the bonds we have formed,” said Deschamps, who gave Varane his international debut.
“I respect his decision even if it may seem a bit unfortunate given everything he was able to do with the national team through to the World Cup, during which he behaved like the leader we know he is from start to finish’’.
Varane’s decision to call time on his France career leaves Kylian Mbappe as favourite for captaincy, with France set to begin Euro 2024 qualifying at the end of March with a tough test against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.