Manchester United and France defender Raphael Varane has called time on his international career, just over a month after defeat in the World Cup final with Les Bleus.
The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the French side since his debut in 2013, and has racked up 93 caps for his country in a career that has seen him lift the World Cup and the Nations League.
Varane played all of France’s knockout games in Qatar, though he was taken off in the second half of extra time in the final after picking up an injury, and was forced to watch on as his side were beaten on penalties despite the heroics of Kylian Mbappe.
Veteran trio Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Karim Benzema have all called time on their country in the two months since that defeat.
And, as per Le Parisien, it is now Varane’s turn to follow suit, amid claims that “a heavy schedule of domestic and international football is taking its toll on the former Real Madrid defender and he now wants to spend more time with his family.”
The Manchester United defender has become a key part of Erik ten Hag’s side on the domestic front, with Varane having struck up a strong partnership with new signing Lisandro Martinez and having featured 15 times in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Though losing a player of Varane’s quality will undoubtedly come as a blow to Didier Deschamps and France, there is no shortage of young and talented defenders among their ranks. William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate were both taken to the World Cup, while Chelsea duo Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are also under consideration.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano and Presnel Kimpembe continue to excel for Les Bleus, and their presence should help absorb the blow of Varane’s departure.
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