Manchester United defender Raphael Varane retires from France international duty

Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from France duty at the age of 29.

The Manchester United defender won the World Cup with France in 2018 and helped them to the final at last year’s tournament.

Varane said on his Instagram: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

“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 have decided it’s the right time for me to retire internationally.”

Varane represented France’s senior side for nine years after making his debut in 2013. He made 93 appearances for the nation, scoring five goals.

He paid tribute to his teammates, his manager and the fans in the statement.

Varane continued: “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, of my team-mates 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!”