French Centre-back Varane Retires At The Age Of 29

The 29-year-old French national football team centre-back Raphael Varane announced his retirement from international football today after 10 years of playing for his country. He was part of the team that won the 2018 World Cup and finished second in the 2022 World Cup.

"I have been thinking about this for several months and I have decided that now is the right time for me to retire from the national team," Varane wrote in a post on Instagram.

Mr. Varane, who plays for Manchester United in the English Premier League, played 93 times for France after being named to the national team in 2013.

The announcement comes just weeks after France captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 36, announced his retirement from international football.

Varane also said it was time for "a group of talented young players" to take on the mantle.

"Rafeil [Varane] called me a few days ago and explained that he wanted to end his international career," France coach Didier Deschamps said.

Deschamps added: "RaFEil thinks HIS adventure with France has come to an end. I have been in a similar position before and I understand what he means and respect his decision."