At just 29, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football after 93 caps for Les Bleus. Varane made his debut in 2013
Raphael Varane is arguably one of the best defenders to have played for the France national football team over the past decade. The Les Bleus center-back is a true leader in the sport but injury setbacks have proved detrimental to his impeccable career. Varane won the World Cup once in his career in 2018 and dominated Europe during his time at Real Madrid. He took to social media to announce his retirement.
Despite his early retirement, France Head Coach Didier Deschamps had this to say about Varane, “After Blaise Matuidi, Steve Mandanda, and Hugo Lloris, Raphael is the fourth 2018 world champion to retire internationally. 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 pitch over the past decade. I had a lot of fun being his coach and I know that this is also the case for all my staff. I wish him the best fulfillment and happiness possible.”
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Raphael Varane made his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United in August 2021. His decision to retire has to do with the ‘physical and psychological wear and tear’ he has experienced as a result of a demanding playing schedule and his desire to spend more time with his family.
France’s squad depth will definitely give Didier Deschamps some relief despite Varane’s retirement from international football. Meanwhile, Varane can focus on his career with Manchester United.
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