Raphaël Varane’s retirement as an international is the result of the overcrowded football calendar. The French defender of Manchester United has stated this in an interview.
Varane surprised the outside world this week by immediately putting an end to his international career. After 93 international matches, the 29-year-old world champion no longer wants to combine his obligations at his club with playing for the national team.
The four-time Champions League winner, who exchanged Real Madrid for Manchester United in August 2021, is very honest with Canal Plus about the reason for Raphaël Varane’s retirement. “I gave everything, physically and mentally. But it’s like being in a washing machine. You play over and over and it never stops. The schedules are crowded. To be honest, it now feels like I’m suffocating and that the player Varane is swallowing the human Varane,” are the alarming words of the defender.
Varane was back in the starting line-up for United this season nine days after losing the World Cup final against Argentina. He can refuel in the second half of March, then the next international match is scheduled.
Erik ten Hag wants a summer clear out
Sticking with Manchester United, according to English media, Erik ten Hag wants to create space in the selection for new purchases at Manchester United next summer. Harry Maguire and Antony Martial are cited as the main victims of the impending renovation.
Ten Hag has already announced that attracting a new striker is one of United’s priorities in the transfer market. Martial is seen as a player who can bring in money next summer, according to the Manchester Evening News. The French striker has struggled with injuries all season and has a contract that expires in the summer of 2024. United have an option to extend that commitment for a year. But a longer stay for the 27-year-old former AS Monaco player is unlikely.
Martial would not be the only player to leave United after this season. Maguire and Alex Telles, who are currently rented to Sevilla, are also included in that list by the Manchester Evening News. The Daily Mirror adds Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay and Eric Bailly, who is loaned to Olympique Marseille. Maguire was also linked with a departure this winter, but ultimately stayed at Old Trafford. The most expensive defender of all time can no longer count on a base place this season.
