France coach Deschamps backs Varane's decision

Deschamps shared, "Raphael has made the decision to retire from professional football. Knowing him well, I am aware that this choice was not made lightly and was made after careful consideration. It is a decision that we must respect. Raphael possessed all the attributes needed to have the successful career that he did."

"For ten years the French national team was a second family and he will always be welcome there. Arriving young, he immediately established himself as a leader on the pitch, but also off it: his opinion was listened to and respected. I remember the image of a player involved with others and with the collective. In particular, he had a perfect complicity with the captain, Hugo Lloris."

Deschamps continued: "Raphael played an important role in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. In the national team, but in general wherever he went, he always left a memory of a great professional. For this and everything else I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart, I wish him to be happy in the new challenges he will choose. Maybe he will be able to dedicate himself to his family, which means a lot to him."