Raphael Varane: Man Utd and France centre-back and World Cup winner retires from international football | Football News

Manchester United and France defender Raphael Varane has retired from international football with immediate effect at the age of 29.

Varane, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, earned 93 caps for his country since making his debut in 2013, scoring five times.

The Manchester United centre-back confirmed the news on his social media account on Thursday and said he would be focusing on his club career having represented his country for the final time at the Qatar World Cup.

Varane said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

“Every time I wore this very special blue jersey I felt immense pride. The duty to give it all, play my heart out and win every time we put on the field. I’ve been contemplating this for several months and deciding it’s the right time for me to retire internationally.

“As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions. I dreamed of being our heroes and 20 years later I lived one of the best experiences of my life, one that made me really proud. We brought home the Cup!! I will never forget it.

“I still feel every single one of the emotions felt on that day, July 15, 2018. That was one of the most amazing and memorable moments of my life.

“This victory that we won all together would never have been possible without the support of Didier Deschamps, every member of the management and staff over the years, and my teammates who have defended our shirt in every game we played.

“But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without every single one of you supporting us along the way.

“Your fervour, the celebrations and the memories of our return to France will forever be etched in me.”