Raphael Varane Retires From International Football
Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football after close to a decade of service for the France national football team.
He won the FIFA World Cup title with France in 2018 and was also part of the squad that reached the final of the 2022 edition of FIFA’s quadrennial event. Raphael Varane has also won the UEFA Nations League 20/21 title with France.
Raphael Varane is the third France player who was part of their FIFA World Cup 2022 squad that has announced retirement. Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda have already announced their retirement from international football.
The Manchester United defender took to social media to announce his retirement from international football. In a lengthy statement, the defender, who is only 29 years old, said representing France for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of his life.
“The duty to give everything, to play with my heart, and to win every time we entered the field. I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.
“As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions. I dreamed of doing like our heroes and, 20 years later, I had one of the best experiences of my life, one that made me really proud.
“We brought the Cup home!! I will never forget him. I still feel every single emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018. It was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life.
“This victory that we won together would never have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, of each of the members of the management and our staff during these years, and of my teammates who defended our shirt at each of our matches.
“But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without the support of each of you along this path. Your enthusiasm, the celebrations, and the memories of our return to France will remain etched in my mind forever.
“Even after the defeat in the final last year, with certainly a great run, you welcomed us as heroes when we returned. To each and every one of you, a thousand times THANK YOU!
“I will miss these moments with you for sure, but the time has come for the new generation to take over. We have a group of talented young players who are ready to take over, who deserve a chance, and who need you.”
Raphael Varane’s international retirement announcement has come as a surprise, with reports suggesting he was to be given the armband of the France national football team following the retirement of Hugo Lloris.
Despite his retirement from international football, he will continue playing for Manchester United, with whom he has a contract that runs until 2025. He has been a key player for Manchester United and has made 18 appearances for the Red Devils in the ongoing 22/23 campaign.
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