Varane’s international retirement: Deschamps salutes “his unfailing commitment to the blue jersey”

Didier Deschamps loses another of his executives. After his captain Hugo Lloris and his influential substitute goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, it’s Raphaël Varane’s turn to retire from international football. The vice-captain of the Blues, very successful during the World Cup in Qatar ended in a defeat in the final against Argentina, has decided to no longer wear the jersey of the France team. A choice made, at only 29 years old, and revealed this Thursday by Le Parisien-Today in France.

“Raphaël called me a few days ago to explain to me that he wanted to put an end to his international career. He is an intelligent boy, who knows how to take the time to reflect, weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Without going into the details of our exchange, Raphaël believes that he has reached the end of his adventure with the France team, ”explains the tricolor coach in a statement sent by the French Football Federation.

“I experienced a situation somewhat similar to his, I understand his arguments and respect his decision even if it may seem regrettable in view of everything he was able to do with the selection until the World Cup during which he behaved, from start to finish, like the leader we know”, greets DD.

“I had a lot of fun being his coach”

“Obviously, I can’t turn this page without a certain emotion, given the ties we have forged since August 2012”, slips Deschamps. And the latter to list his memories with the current central defender of Manchester United; his first summons in 2012 against Uruguay for what was also Deschamps’ first on the bench of the Blues, his performance in the return qualifying play-off for the World Cup in 2013 against Ukraine.

“If I didn’t hesitate to entrust him with the armband at 21, it’s because he was already showing, in his own way and with others, leadership over the group. Rapha was an effective relay, one of the guarantors of the collective and its values, supports his coach. As our paths diverge, I wanted to salute his honesty, his unwavering commitment to the blue jersey. Raphael has played a pivotal role on and off the pitch for the past decade. I took great pleasure in being his coach and I know that this is also the case for all of my staff. I wish him the best development and the best possible happiness. »

Guy Stéphan, Didier Deschamps’ assistant also paid tribute to the Mancunian. “Raphael was a respected leader who grew up with the team. It took, logically, more and more space. The Varane of 2012 was not yet that of 2018, nor of 2022, he underlines. But I often heard him in pre-match warm-ups, he spoke and his voice carried. Everyone was listening to him. He had the verb and the tone. He is a player you could count on, a respected leader. Like all the members of the staff, I became attached to this sincere, loyal boy. The France team loses a leading player but his children will be able to enjoy a golden dad. Thank you for everything you have given us during these ten years. It was a great pleasure and a great pride to meet you. »

Varane is the fourth 2018 world champion to retire internationally after Mandanda, Lloris but also Blaise Matuidi. The latter announced in December the end of his football career.