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The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from the international football on Thursday. Despite being expected to become the next F rance captain, the 29-year-old Manchester United defender has shocked his country and the entire football world with his unforeseen retirement.
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After losing the Qatar World Cup against Argentina on penalties after finishing the game 3-3 in the regulation time, France failed to become the only third team to win the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time.
Varane took to his official Instagram handle to announce his retirement and posted a picture with the 2018 World Cup trophy with a heartfelt message. He wrote, " Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I wore this very special blue jersey I felt immense pride."
The French defender went on to praise his coach Didier Deschamps, teammates and fans. He added, " This victory that we won all together would never have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, every member of the management and staff over the years, and my teammates who have defended our shirt in every game we played.
But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without every single one of you supporting us along the way. "
Raphael Varane vacated the place for the younger talents including Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate among others. Varane concluded, " 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 who are ready to take over, who deserve a chance and who need you. "
Former Real Madrid center-back was a key player in France's World Cup triumph in 2018 and he made 93 appearances for his country and scored five goals and produce an assist being a defender, since joining the team in March, 2013.
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