Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement from active international football.
The former Real Madrid player made his France debut in 2013 and has scored five times in 93 appearances for Les Bleus.
Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018 and last played for the team in the 2022 World Cup final.
“Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” said Varane.
“Every time I wore this very special blue jersey I felt immense pride. The duty to give it all, play my heart out and win every time we put on the field.
“I’ve been contemplating this for several months and deciding it’s the right time for me to retire internationally.”
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The 29-year-old, who joined United from Real Madrid in August 2021, is the latest French national team player to retire after the World Cup.
Just like Varane, Tottenham goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris announced his international retirement in January.
While at Madrid, Varane won the Champions League four times, the Spanish La Liga three times, the UEFA Super Cup three times and the FIFA Club World Cup four times.
“As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions,” said Varane.
“I dreamed of being our heroes and 20 years later I lived one of the best experiences of my life, one that made me really proud. We brought home the Cup!
“I will never forget it. I still feel every single one of the emotions felt on that day, July 15, 2018. That was one of the most amazing and memorable moments of my life.”
France coach Didier Deschamps: “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,”
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