Raphael Varane, France Defender, Announces International Retirement At 29

After Hugo Lloris retired last month, Varane was expected to take over as captain.

France defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 29. He announced the decision through a social media post on Thursday.

"I've been thinking about it for several months and I decided it was the right time for me to retire from international football," Varane wrote on Instagram. 

"To represent our magnificent country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Each time I wore this special blue shirt I felt immense pride," he wrote.

"As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions. I dreamed of doing like our heroes and, 20 years later, I had one of the best experiences of my life, one that made me really proud. We brought the Cup home!! I will never forget him. I still feel every single emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018," he added in an elaborate caption.

"It was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life," the ex-Manchester United star wrote.

"This victory that we won together would never have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, of each of the members of the management and of our staff during these years, of my teammates who defended our jersey in each of our matches," he said.

But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without the support of each of you along this path. Your enthusiasm, the celebrations and the memories of our return to France will remain etched in my mind forever. Even after the defeat in the final last year, with certainly a great run, you welcomed us as heroes when we returned. To each and every one of you, a thousand times THANK YOU," Varane who made his France debut in 2013 and won 93 caps for Les Bleus wrote.

"I will miss these moments with you for sure, but the time has come for the 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. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Rapha," he signed off.

After Hugo Lloris retired last month, Varane was expected to take over as captain but with him announcing his decision to retire from international football, Kylian Mbappe could be one of the names who could take over as the leadership banton.