The Manchester United defender earned 93 caps for Les Bleus after making his debut for France in 2013. Since Hugo Lloris left the team a month ago, he had been considered for captaincy.
Raphael Varane, the France center-back who finished runner-up in the World Cup 2018 and won the World Cup in 2018. Said on Thursday that he is retiring from international duty at the age of 29.
“I’ve been considering it for several months and decided it was the right time for me to retire from international football,” Varane wrote on Instagram.
After making his first appearance for France in 2013. The Manchester United defender went on to win 93 caps for Les Bleus.
“One of the greatest honors of my life has been to represent our magnificent country for a decade. Varane stated, “I felt an immense pride every time I wore this unique blue shirt.
Kylian Mbappe is the front-runner for the captaincy now that Varane has decided to end his career with France.
At the end of March, the team led by Didier Deschamps will begin Euro 2024 qualifying with a doubleheader against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
The former Real Madrid star played every minute of France’s World Cup victory over Croatia in the final, which France won 4-2.
He was one of five French players who started the penalty shootout loss to Argentina. In the 2022 final as he recovered from a leg injury that kept him out of the tournament’s opening game.
He thanked Deschamps, his coaching staff, and the fans. He stated, “The time has come for the new generation to take over. I’ll definitely miss these moments with you.”
“We have a group of talented young players who deserve their chance and are prepared to rise to the occasion.”
Varane made his international debut in a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Georgia, and Deschamps said, “I cannot turn this page without some emotion, given the bonds we have formed.”
“I respect his decision, even if it may seem a little unfortunate given everything he could do with the national team up until the World Cup. When he “behaved from the beginning to the end like the leader we know he is,” the author states. I admire his choice.”