Varane Retires: The Biggest Beneficiaries of Frenchman's Decision to Quit International Football
- Raphael Varane shocked the football world on February 2 after announcing his retirement
- The 29-year old claims his decision was made to pave the way for the younger generation
- Varane's international career spanned a decade, where he made 93 appearances for France
Weeks after his counterpart, Hugo Lloris quit the French national team, Manchester United centre-back, Raphael Varane has followed suit.
The Manchester United star took to social media on Thursday with an emotional statement, revealing he had no plans to continue with the French national team despite being only 29.
According to Varane, he wanted to pave way for a new generation to take over, ending his decade-long stint with France.
Source: Getty Images
France's loss is United's advantage
Not many will have seen Varane’s announcement coming, but it is the Manchester United fans who will welcome his move to retire internationally with open arms.
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Despite suffering heartbreak at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he has been crucial for Erik ten Hag’s side at club level, helping the team compete in four different competitions so far this season.
Varane’s international retirement means he can fully focus on giving his all for his club, something which players who juggle with international duty struggle with.
The Frenchman’s best years are almost certainly behind him, having won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but this is not to say he has nothing left in his tank.
In fact, aged 29, it is easy to argue Varane is in his prime years as a football player.
Varane’s season stats for United
In the Premier League this season, ten Hag prefers Varane to England’s Harry Maguire at the heart of defence.
The Frenchman has played a total of 15 league games, and only two of those games has he come on as a substitute.
The fact that the Red Devils' manager will not have to worry about his star defender picking up an injury while on international duty will surely be welcome news for United fans.
Supercomputer predicts final EPL standings
Sports Brief also reported on a supercomputer predicting Chelsea's finshing spot in the Premier League this season, despite massive spending in the January window.
Arsenal look set to win the EPL title at long last with 88.5 points, with Manchester City predicted to finish second with 82.9 points.
Man United have been backed to seal a third-place finish ahead of Newcastle United, who are in line to complete the top-four.
Source: SportsBrief.com