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“I feel”: 29-year-old Manchester United star explains reason behind sudden international retirement

Manchester United's French defender Raphael Varane warms up ahead of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Reading at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 28, 2023
Manchester United's French defender Raphael Varane. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane cites exhaustion as reason for France national team retirement

Manchester United Raphael Varane has hinted at exhaustion being a reason for his retirement from the France national team.

Despite still being 29 and evidently at the peak of his powers, the coveted centre-back called time on his international career. The defender has been a key player for Didier Deschaps’ team over the years, winning the 2018 World Cup.

Speaking to Canal+ (h/t Daily Mail), Varane stated that he had given his all for Les Bleus. However, the defender now feels football has taken a massive toll on his life.

Manchester United star Raphael Varane cites exhaustion as a reason for his retirement from the France national team.
Manchester United star Raphael Varane cites exhaustion as a reason for his retirement from the France national team. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

“I gave everything, physically and mentally. 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.”

Mental health is seemingly often an overlooked factor in the game. Over the years, the footballing calendar has only become more and more congested.

In the current campaign, the 2022 World Cup played a big part in many star players having to play a lot of games. Season after season, tournaments like the UEFA Nations League have only added to the players’ workload. Thus, burnout should not come as a surprise.

Varane has played a key role under Erik ten Hag this term. The French national has been one of the first-choice centre-backs for the Dutch manager alongside Argentina international Lisandro Martinez.

https://twitter.com/equipedefrance/status/1621487950943948802?s=20&t=zovfGldfe13nHXNFD7EN0Q

The 29-year-old was also ever-present in Qatar for Les Bleus. Deschamps relied on the former Real Madrid star for most of the 2022 World Cup as France made it to the final. They lost to La Albiceleste on penalties.

Hopefully, now, Varane can find time to take care of himself. Also, it should come as good news for United, with the defender’s footballing focus remaining on the Manchester-based club.

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The 29-year-old has come into his own at the Old Trafford side after a rather underwhelming debut season. Injuries have been an issue for the centre-back. It remains to be seen whether a lack of international football will help reduce his fitness issues.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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