France defender Varane announces international retirement at 29 / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File
-
Social media use on the rise among Australian under-16s after ban: data
-
Fave or flop? A guide to gauging video game success
-
Instagram chief admits touting teen safety tool while omitting it was barely used
-
Williams-Alcaraz fall in US Open mixed quarter-finals
-
'Final Fantasy', 'The Witcher' in spotlight at Europe gaming bash
-
Mark Carney, the former central banker who said 'no' to Trump
-
Syrian Kurdish leader dissolves force that spearheaded jihadist fight
-
Segner out of South Africa tour as New Zealand injuries pile up
-
Trump raises prospect of demolishing iconic Kennedy Center
-
Meta knew teen safety tools were ineffective, witnesses testify
-
PGA Tour to end in two-week matchplay showdown from 2028: CEO
-
Williams and Alcaraz win opener at US Open mixed doubles
-
United States of Dolly: how a country queen bridged America's divide
-
Man Utd's Fernandes crowned PFA player of the year
-
PGA chief says 'no current plans' for LIV stars to return
-
Dolly Parton: quotes on life, love and music
-
Golf giant Callaway apologizes after ad sparks outcry
-
Brazil fines TikTok $30 mn in 'powerful signal' over child safety
-
Ioane stars as New Zealand recover to beat Johannesburg Lions
-
Cameroon's Baleba joins as Man Utd boost midfield options
-
Ukrainians seeking beauty in a bomb-scarred city
-
US country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80
-
Dolly Parton: Country music's dolled up but deserving queen
-
Kolisi fit to captain South Africa against New Zealand
-
US robotaxi firm Waymo plans to launch in Germany
-
Volkswagen workers boo boss during speech on job cuts
-
'Here to win': Xavi vows to restore pride in Dutch football
-
Djokovic, Sabalenka tumble out of US Open mixed doubles
-
Cameroon's Baleba joins as Man United boost midfield options
-
CIA director Ratcliffe visits Moscow: US media
-
'Shocking' book about Putin's private life wins French literary prize
-
Trump threatens to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America'
-
Pogacar storms to Vuelta a Espana stage four solo triumph
-
'Here to win': Xavi vows to restore pride to Dutch football
-
Canada unveils counter-tariffs of 15-50% on US goods
-
Canada unveils counter tariffs of 15% to 50% on US goods
-
Volkswagen boss braces German workers for more job cuts
-
Spain moves to speed up return of migrants stranded in Ceuta
-
Olympic champion Brignone to undergo new knee operation
-
At least a quarter of NFL players may get brain disease: study
-
The summer climate change became scorching reality for Europe
-
Iranians queue for petrol after US announces new sanctions
-
Root angered by England's off-field 'stupid mistakes'
-
Blockchain Infrastructure Firm tZERO Integrates with Sui for Institutional-Grade Digital Asset Securities
-
Welsh rugby league 'giant' Boston dies, aged 92
-
Oil down as traders weigh US sanctions threat against Iran
-
Root annoyed by England's off-field 'stupid mistakes'
-
Canada to unveil response to Trump's steep tariffs
-
One million Afghan children suffer 'life-threatening' malnutrition: UN
-
Curling attracts curious Romans under Colosseum's shadow
France defender Varane announces international retirement at 29
France centre-back Raphael Varane, a World Cup winner in 2018 and runner-up last year, announced Thursday his retirement from international duty at the age of 29.
"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.
The Manchester United defender made his France debut in 2013 and won 93 caps for Les Bleus. He had been in the running to take over as captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris last month.
"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," said Varane.
Varane's decision to call time on his France career leaves Kylian Mbappe as the frontrunner for the captaincy, with Didier Deschamps' side set to begin Euro 2024 qualifying at the end of March with a double-header against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
The former Real Madrid star played every minute of his country's triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign as France defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final.
He was one of five French players who also started the 2022 final defeat by Argentina on penalties, recovering from a leg injury that ruled him out of the start of the tournament.
"I'll definitely miss these moments with you, but the time has come for the new generation to take over," he said, thanking Deschamps and his coaching staff as well as the supporters.
"We have a group of talented young players who are ready to step up and who deserve their chance."
Deschamps paid tribute to Varane and praised him for the leadership qualities he had brought to the team throughout his time with France.
"I cannot turn this page without some emotion, given the bonds we have formed," said Deschamps, who gave Varane his international debut in a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
"I respect his decision even if it may seem a bit unfortunate given everything he was able to do with the national team through to the World Cup, during which he behaved like the leader we know he is from start to finish."
K.Hassan--SF-PST
