'Unwavering honesty and commitment to the blue jersey': Deschamps' reaction to Varane's international retirement

At 29, Raphaël Varane drew a line under his international career on Thursday.

The defender of the Blues, vice-captain of the selection, decided to leave on a World Cup final lost against Argentina on December 18, after an adventure started with the French jersey in 2013. His announcement, after that of Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda, confirms the change of generation in the France team.

Didier Deschamps, very close to his defender, wanted to pay tribute to him.

Extracts.

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Didier Deschamps:

“Raphaël called me a few days ago to explain to me that he wanted to end his international career.

He is an intelligent boy, who knows how to take the time to reflect, weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Without going into the details of our exchange, Raphaël believes that he has reached the end of his adventure with the France team.

I experienced a situation somewhat similar to his, I understand his arguments and respect his decision even if it may seem regrettable in view of all that he was able to do with the selection until the World Cup during which he behaved, from start to finish, like the leader we know.

Read also"Representing our magnificent country has been one of the greatest honors of my life": Varane's moving message for his end of career with the Blues

Of course, I can't turn this page without a certain emotion, given the ties we've forged since August 2012. Like Hugo Lloris, he will have been on all my lists, barring injury.

Raphaël, who was then a young talent in the making at Real Madrid, was in my first for the friendly match against Uruguay in Le Havre.

He quickly established himself as a starter.

I especially remember his authority during the comeback play-off against Ukraine in 2013. A first high-level performance.

The first of a long list.

If I did not hesitate to entrust him with the armband at 21, it is because he was already showing leadership in the group in his own way and with others.

"Rapha" was an effective relay, one of the guarantors of the collective and its values.

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After Blaise Matuidi, Steve Mandanda and Hugo Lloris, Raphaël is the fourth 2018 world champion to retire internationally.

As our paths diverge, I wanted to salute his honesty, his unwavering commitment to the blue jersey.

Raphael has played a pivotal role on and off the pitch for the past decade.

I took great pleasure in being his coach and I know that this is also the case for all of my staff.

I wish him the best development and the best possible happiness.

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