Manchester United defender Raphael Varane announced on Thursday the end of his career with the France national team, with which he won the 2018 World Cup.

Raphael VaranePhoto: Sports Press Photo / ddp USA / Profimedia

Raphael Varane ended his career with the French national team

At the age of 29, Varane has 93 caps for the national team “Cocoșului Galic”, with whom he played in three World Cups.

The defender would make such a decision because he wants to spend more time with his family. He also faces intermittent problems with his right knee.

“Representing our wonderful country for a decade has been one of the greatest joys of my life and a great honor. Every time I put on that special blue shirt, I felt so proud. We had a duty to give everything, play with heart and win every time we stepped on the field. I have been thinking about it for a few months now and decided that the time was right for me to retire from international football.

As a child, I remember watching France-98, this team, these players, who caused indescribable emotions in us. I dreamed of acting like our heroes, and after 20 years I had one of the most wonderful cases of my life, which made me really proud. We brought the Cup home!! I will never forget. I still feel all the emotions I felt that day, July 15, 2018. It was one of the best and most memorable moments of my life.

This victory we achieved together would not have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, every member of our management and staff over the years, my teammates who have defended our shirt in every one of our matches. But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without the support of each and every one of you.

Your enthusiasm, celebration and memories of our return to France will forever remain in my memory. Even after losing last year’s final, thanks to a great run, you gave us a hero’s welcome when we came back. A thousand times THANK YOU to each of you!

I will definitely miss those moments with you, but it’s time for a new generation to take over. We have a group of talented young players who are ready to take over, who deserve a chance and who need you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Rafa” – – wrote Raphael Varan on Instagram.

Check out this Instagram post

A post shared by Raphael Varane (@raphaelvarane)