France and Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football.
The 29-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2018, has scored five goals in 93 appearances for his country after making his debut in 2013.
The last of his caps was won in the 2022 World Cup final, in which France were beaten by Argentina on penalties.
“Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Varane.
“Each time I have worn this very special blue jersey, I have felt immense pride. The duty to give everything, to play my heart and to win every time we step on the pitch.
“I’ve been thinking about it for several months and decided it’s the right time for me to retire from international football.”
Varane, who signed for United from Real Madrid in August 2021, is the latest Blues player to retire after the World Cup.
In January, Tottenham goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris resigned three weeks after the final.
Varane was expected to take over the French captaincy from Lloris.
“As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who gave us indescribable emotions,” Varane said.
“I dreamed of being our heroes and 20 years later I had one of the best experiences of my life, an experience that made me very proud. We brought home the Cup!
“I will never forget it. I still feel every emotion I felt that day, July 15, 2018. It was one of the most incredible and memorable moments of my life.”
