Raphael Varane startled football world by announcing retirement

• The defender helped France win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
• He earned 93 caps for his country over the previous ten years.
•  Deschamps described Varane as a “clever lad” after hearing his retirement.

Raphael Varane, a defender for France, startled the soccer community on Thursday by announcing his retirement from international competition.

Varane helped the Les Bleus win the 2018 World Cup in Russia, earning 93 caps for his country over the previous ten years.

“Representing our beautiful country for a decade has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram. I felt a tremendous amount of pride each time I donned this unique blue shirt.

 

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“We brought the Cup home!!” he added. He is someone I will never forget. I’m still feeling every single sensation I felt on July 15, 2018. It was one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of my life.

“This win that we gained 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, of my teammates who defended our shirt at each of our matches.

“But, more importantly, this win would not have been achieved without the help of each of you along the way. Your joy, the festivities, and the recollections of our return to France will live on in my memory for the rest of my life.

“Even after the failure in the final last year, with obviously a wonderful run, you embraced us as heroes when we returned. Thank you a thousand times over to each and every one of 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 bunch of talented young players ready to take over, who deserve a chance and who require your assistance.”

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international service last month, signalling the end of an era for the French national team.

The 29-year-old put an end to France’s intentions to offer him the captain’s armband as Lloris’ replacement.

A few days later, Varane called Didier Deschamps to explain his decision.

He described Varane as a “clever lad” and recalled how the defender quickly established himself as a regular for Real Madrid as a youngster.

“Raphael believes that his adventure with the France team has come to an end. I was in a situation comparable to his, and I understand his arguments and appreciate his decision, even if it may appear disappointing in light of everything he was able to do with the selection until the World Cup, during which he behaved, from start to finish, admirably “According to Deschamps.

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