France and Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football.
After making his debut for france in 2013, the 29-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2018, scored five goals in 93 appearances.
His final appearance came in the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties.
One of the biggest honors of my life has been serving as a representative of our wonderful nation for ten years, 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 on international stage .”
Varane is the most recent member of Les Bleus to announce his retirement following the World Cup after Hugo Lloris retired in January, three weeks after the world cup championship.
Varane had been expected to replace Lloris as French captain
“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 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.”