(Football news) In a shocking turn of events the 29 year defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football after France failed to retain the World Cup in Qatar. Varane who went on to make 93 appearances for France, was part of the side that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018 but he was unable to help Les Bleus defend their crown in Qatar. He helped Didier Deschamps’s team to win the UEFA Nations League in 2021. The Manchester United defender has always been a key member of the national team ever since he made his international debut in 2013.

Varane had started every game at the 2018 World Cup when France lifted the trophy for the first time since 1998. However, he struggled with injury in the Euro 2020 as France were knocked out at the round of 16 stage by Switzerland. Varane’s shock decision comes just weeks after goalkeeper and captain, Hugo Lloris, announced his retirement from international football aged 36. The defender said that it was time for a “talented group of young players” to take over the huge mantle left behind. Varane has been a colossus in defence for France, but his retirement allows him to prioritise United and the decision will allow him to spend more time with his family and his two children, Ruben and Anai

The player has retired from France at age 29 and it’s undoubtedly a positive sign for Ten Hag that his best defender will be rested during the international break which will come next season. It is positive news for United fans especially considering his previous history with injuries. Varane is currently playing in his prime and he’s contracted at Old Trafford until 2025. Without the commitment of playing for France, the centre-back should be focused on United to win more trophies in the future. He is a serial winner and he’ll be hoping to win multiple trophies at United and basically create a legacy at the club.

“Representing our beautiful country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Varane said in a statement. “Every time I wore that special blue jersey I felt an immense sense of pride, the duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we took the field.I’ve been thinking about it for several months and I decided that it was the right time for me to retire from international football.”

“Raphael called me a few days ago to explain that he wanted to end his international career. He’s an intelligent boy who knows how to take the time to think about it and weigh up the pros and cons before deciding,” France coach Deschamps said.”Raphael believes he has reached the end of his adventure with the French team. I’ve been in a similar situation to him, I understand his arguments and respect his decision. As our paths separate, I wanted to salute his honesty, his unfailing commitment to the blue jersey. Raphael has played a central role on and off the field for the past decade.”

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