Raphael Varane of Manchester United refuses Zinedine Zidane's proposal and refuses to make a U-turn.
Raphael Varane, 29, retired recently from France duty and insists that he would have made the same decision even if Zinedine Zidane had been assigned.
Raphael Varane insists that if Zinedine Zidane had been in charge of Les Blues, he would still have retired.
At the age of 29, the Manchester United star announced the end of his international career. Varane had been a fixture for several years, helping France win the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Didier Deschamps coached the centre-half throughout his international career.
Having just led France to another World Cup final, this time losing on penalties to Argentina, Deschamps has decided to stay in charge, despite the fact that many expected Zidane to take over as manager. Varane has been coached by the Ballon d'Or winner at Real Madrid, but the player insists he would not have changed his mind regardless of who was in charge.
He told Canal+: "No, it wouldn't have changed anything," before claiming that his retirement was a "personal decision". Varane continued, saying: "It has nothing to do with off-the-field issues, such as the other players' international careers, the extension of the manager's contract, or what is going on at the federation right now. It has nothing to do with a personal decision."
Varane has faced backlash for his decision, but he cites the demands placed on players in today's game as a factor. "I gave everything I had, both physically and mentally. However, the highest level is similar to a washing machine in that you play all the time and never stop "He explained to RMC:
"We have jam-packed schedules and games.non-stop. I feel like I'm suffocating right now, and [Varane] the player is devouring [Varane] the man."
Deschamps has since signed a new contract that keeps him in charge until 2026, along with his staff. William Saliba and others are poised to fill Varane's shoes, with United manager Erik ten Hag admitting Varane's international retirement will benefit his club.
"Yeah, I think it's good news for United," he said. Rapha has accomplished everything in international and club football, in my opinion. What he has accomplished is incredible in my opinion. I have a lot of respect for him, and I'm glad he's now putting all of his energy and experience into our team.
"Because he is ambitious, he has a lot more to come. He wants Manchester United to win. I didn't talk to him about it. Rapha is an experienced individual who makes his own decisions. However, he informed me that he intended to do so. I can only express my admiration for his career up to this point."
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