World Cup Winner Raphael Varane Retires From France Duty at 29

• Manchester United defender Raphael Varane shocked the world by announcing his international retirement
• At just 29, it came as shocking news to fans that one of football's most accomplished stars is retiring
• He was part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup and is tipped to be the next captain

French defender Raphael Varane has announced his international retirement from French duty at just 29 years, about three months after France lost the World Cup final to Argentina.

The 2018 winner made the unexpected announcement on his Instagram page and instantly got the football world talking as to why the retirement is coming early.

Football bodies and colleagues have started throwing in tributes to one of football's most accomplished defenders, while fans are in disbelief as to why he retired this early.

Statement by Raphael Varane

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The disciplined defender was given his Real Madrid debut by Jose Mourinho at just 18, displaced veteran defender Pepe and enjoyed a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos, as reported by Pundits Arena.

He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia playing all seven games. He also made the finals of the 2016 European Championship while also winning the 2022 UEFA Nations League with Les Bleus.

''I will miss these moments with you for sure, but the time has come for the new generation to take over. We have a bunch 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. Rap,'' he wrote on Instagram.

Tributes and reactions to Varane

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The football world was quick in reacting to the retirement of the former Real Madrid star. Fans however want to know the reason behind the retirement of such an experienced player tipped to be France's best captain after Hugo Lloris retired as reported by Independent.

@triniboi01 wrote:

He's 29...swore he was younger than that. Dang..29 a bit young to retire though

@adss_3010 wrote:

That's really unexpected

@dannytarr wrote

Interesting considering he’s only 29 having said that, already a World Cup champion. He obviously feels he wants all his focus on club football now.

@Praytus wrote:

He's just 29. He could have played at least 1 more WC with France.

Varane responds to Ronaldo's interview

Raphael Varane is a leader in the dressing room and a player who is not shy to make himself heard, a factor that has helped him achieve a lot in his career.

Sports Brief earlier reported that he commented on Ronaldo's explosive interview that led to the termination of the Portuguese's contract at the club.

While other United stars distanced themselves from the charade, the ex-France international was bold enough to say the interview affected the team but they tried to manage the situation.