The news that Raphael Varane has officially retired from the French national team at the age of 29 caused a great deal of surprise from the football world. At first, many people did not understand the reason for such a sudden decision, but now the stopper of Manchester United has decided to put an end to speculations and express his opinion. The reason is simple – the rhythm of modern football with year-round commitments has taken its toll.𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘪 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘦̈𝘭 💙🤍♥️#FiersdetreBleus | @raphaelvarane pic.twitter.com/TUIXa2FiaI— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) February 3, 2023 „I gave everything, physically and mentally. But the very highest level is like a washing machine, you play all the time and you never stop. We have overloaded schedules and play non-stop. Right now, I feel like I’m suffocating and that Varane the player is gobbling up Varane the man“ Varane said in an interview with Canal+ which will be broadcasted on Sunday.France defender Varane announces international retirement at 29His choice had an even greater resonance due to the fact that he was perhaps the main favorite for the captain’s armband of France after Hugo Lloris’ retirement from the national team last month. Varane has played 93 games for France since his debut in 2013 and has been regarded as one of the best stoppers on the planet over the last decade. He played every minute in 2018 in Russia, when the Tricolors won the World Cup, and was also among the key players in Qatar, where Argentina with Lionel Messi stood on the way to defending the title. He also won the 2021 Nations League with France and played in the 2016 European Championship final.The shadow of Greenwood all over Old TraffordThe news of Varane’s withdrawal was strongly reacted to by former national team player Jerome Rotten, who called the United player’s move “stupid”, and the French media speculate that the bad atmosphere in the dressing room further pushed him towards this decision. France team coach Didier Deschamps issued a statement thanking Varane for his contribution during the international career.„Raphael called me a few days ago to explain to me that he wanted to end 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, Raphael believes that he has reached the end of his adventure with the French team. After Blaise Matuidi, Steve Mandanda and Hugo Lloris, Raphael is the fourth 2018 world champion to retire internationally. 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.’“ said Deschamps.PREMIER LEAUGE – Matchday 22FridayChelsea – Fulham 0-0Saturday 15.30: (8.50) Everton (4.50) Arsenal (1.45)18.00: (2.00) Aston Villa (3.50) Leicester (4.10)18.00: (1.95) Brentford (3.50) Southampton (4.40)18.00: (1.40) Brighton (4.90) Bournemouth (9.00)18.00: (1.40) Man.Utd. (4.50) Crystal Palace (8.50)18.00: (4.00) Wolverhampton (3.60) Liverpool (2.00)20.30: (1.70) Newcastle (3.70) West Ham (5.90)Sunday 17.00: (2.70) Nott.Forest (3.10) Leeds (2.75)19.30: (4.90) Tottenham (3.60) Man.City (1.75)***odds are subject to change***
