Raphael Varane has said that fatigue is the main reason why he decided to retire from France duty.

The 29-year-old announced on Thursday that he was retiring from international duty, with the centre-back stepping away from his national side after 10 years.

Varane made 93 appearances for France during a successful career, winning the World Cup and UEFA Nations League in the process, while he helped the Blues reach the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The defender had seemingly been in line to replace Hugo Lloris as captain of the national side, but he has now decided to end his time with France in order to concentrate on Manchester United.

Varane has had that he "gave everything" for France and has decided to step away from the national team in a bid to prolong his career at club level.

"I gave everything, physically and mentally," Varane told 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."

France boss Didier Deschamps has also had his say on Varane's decision, which came as a surprise.

"I had a similar situation. I understand his arguments and respect his decision, even if it may seem regrettable in view of everything that he did in the World Cup, during which, from start to finish, he acted like the leader we know," Deschamps told L'Equipe.

"Of course, I can not turn this page without a certain emotion, given our close ties since August 2012. Like Hugo Lloris, he would have been, without injury, in all of my squads."

Man United boss Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, said that he had "big respect" for the centre-back when questioned on the decision during his press conference on Friday.

"Yeah, for United, I think it's good news," Ten Hag told reporters.

"I think Rapha has achieved everything, in international football, and club-wise. I think it is incredible what he has achieved. Big respect [to him] and I'm happy he now puts all of his energy and his experience into our team."

Varane was absent for Man United through injury ahead of the World Cup, but he has been a constant since returning from the competition, making his 19th appearance of the campaign in Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. body check tags ::