football | Tuesday, February 21, 2023 12:36 PM

Mikael Silvestre: Raphael Varane’s international retirement caught me by surprise

Devang Prasad

2018 World Cup winner with France and current Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane shocked the world by announcing his retirement from international football.

Still only 29, the former Real Madrid defender called it quits on a glittering international career at an age when players at his position enter their prime.

Varane cited fatigue with an overloaded playing schedule, mentioning that playing football at the highest level is like a “washing machine.”

To discuss Varane’s retirement, and its implications on the French national side, we had a chat with former France and Manchester United defender, Mikael Silvestre.

In this article:

Varane’s retirement surprised me but I understand and respect his decision
I hope Varane returns to the French national team like Zidane did
Mbappe should be the captain of France now

Varane’s retirement surprised me but I understand and respect his decision

Silvestre, who earned 40 caps for les Bleus, expressed his surprise at Varane’s decision but also agreed with his compatriot’s statement of the highest level being like a washing machine.

“His retirement caught me by surprise.”

“After reflecting on it you look at the number of games he’s played and he started playing at a very young age from Rennes to Real Madrid. I understand and respect his decision.”

“Playing at the highest level is like a washing machine.”

I hope Varane returns to the French national team like Zidane did

The two-time Confederations Cup winner hopes that Varane comes back to international football like the legendary Zinedine Zidane did before the 2006 World Cup but at the same time, says that it depends on his mental and physical state.

“I’m hopeful he might have a comeback at some point like Zidane did.”

“If he needs a break mentally and physically it’s something we should respect. It does depend on your physical and mental state to deal with injuries. He almost didn’t make it to the World Cup.”

“International football is a machine that’s nonstop and is super intense.”

Mbappe should be the captain of France now

Varane’s retirement has followed that of Hugo Lloris and that has left a vacuum in leadership of the national side. Silvestre, however, knows who his choice for France’s next captain is.

“Mbappe should be the natural successor as captain or at least in the mix. He’s been with the 2018 World Cup generation up until now and is a World Cup champion.”

“He’s showing more and more leadership qualities.”

“As well as being a quality player, he’s well respected in the squad so I think having him as captain would be a good fit.”