France manager Didier Deschamps admits regret at Raphael Varane ending his international career

Didier Deschamps has revealed his disappointment at Raphael Varane’s retirement from international football, but the France manager said he respects the Manchester United defender’s decision.

Varane called time on his international career last month, despite seemingly being at his peak and still two months shy of his 30th birthday.

The 29-year-old’s decision came as a shock having been considered a leading contender to succeed Hugo Lloris as France captain, following the goalkeeper’s international retirement.

Deschamps was asked about the retirement of his vice-captain ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. 

 ‘I try to put myself in his [Varane] shoes,’ Deschamps said, according to RMC Sport. ‘He is sufficiently thoughtful, composed, and he does not make a decision like that overnight.

Varane announced his retirement from international football last month at the age of 29

The Man United defender had been a key part of France’s run to the World Cup final in Qatar

‘It is not something I’m happy about, but it’s everyone’s situation that you can make a decision like that. I respect it.

‘There are demands in very high-level football and it all depends on the age at which you start.

‘The demands lead to fatigue, physical or psychological.

‘Each player has a path that can be different, some continue until they are 40, for others it can be more complicated.’

Varane, who turns 30 next month, played every minute at the 2018 World Cup as Les Bleus lifted the trophy for the second time in their history.

He also played a key role in France’s run to the final in Qatar last year, where the holders were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

Varane also won the Nations League with his country in 2021, as France came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in the final.

He did not manage to win the European Championships, as France came up short in the 2016 final against Portugal.

Varane, who won 93 caps for his country after making his debut in 2013, revealed football’s gruelling schedule was the reason for his retirement.

Varane – who won the World Cup in 2018 –  said playing ‘non-stop’ has taken its toll on him

Deschamps is expected to decide France’s next captain for their Euro 2024 qualifiers

‘I gave everything, physically and mentally,’ Varane said in an interview with Canal+. ‘But the very highest level is like a washing machine, you play all the time and you never stop,

‘We have overloaded schedules and play non-stop. Right now, I feel like I’m suffocating and that [Varane] the player is gobbling up [Varane] the man.’

Deschamps, who agreed a contract to lead France until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in January, said he will make a decision on the captaincy in the coming days.

France are due to face Holland in the their first Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday, before facing the Republic of Ireland on March 27.