France defender, Raphael Varane has retired from international football at the age of 29.
Varane’s decision comes following France’s failure to defend their crown at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He was part of the side that won the tournament in 2018 but was unable to help Les Bleus defend their crown last year.
The Manchester United defender has been a key member of the French national team ever since making his international debut in 2013.
Varane started every game at the 2018 World Cup as France lifted the trophy for the first time since 1998.
However, he struggled in Euro 2020 as France were knocked out at the round of 16 stage, losing a penalty shootout against Switzerland.
The centre-back was a major doubt for making the trip to Qatar after picking up an injury with United in the lead up to the tournament but was selected.
Varane made 93 appearances for France.
“Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Varane said in a statement announcing his retirement.
“Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field. I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.
“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 that. I still feel every single emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018.
“It was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life.
“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 our staff during these years, of my teammates who defended our shirt in each of our matches.
“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!
“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.”