France national team captain Wendie Renard has announced a shock retirement from international football just before the Women’s World Cup. The 32 year old player said she came to this decision in order to preserve her mental health. She has played 142 times for France but she says she “can’t take the current system any longer”.
Her decision comes at the end of the last international break, where her country faced Denmark and Uruguay in the Tournoi de France. She played in both matches and scored against Uruguay helping her country retain the cup.
Renard highlighted issues working with head coach Corrine Diacre
The 32 year old made the announcement on Twitter on Friday
“I defended the blue, white and red jersey 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,” Renard said in a statement on Friday.
“I love France more than anything, I’m not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level. It’s a sad but necessary day to preserve my sanity.
“It is with a heavy heart that I come to tell you of my decision to withdraw from the France team. Unfortunately, I will not play this World Cup under such conditions. “My face may be hiding the pain but my heart is hurting…and I don’t want to hurt anymore.
“Thank you for your support and for respecting my decision.” She is one of the most decorated players in women’s football, having won 14 French D’Arkema titles and eight Champions League trophies with her club, Lyon.
Katoto and Diani joined their captain in leaving the team and insisted they will not return until changes are effected.
“The words of our captain Wendie lead me in turn to talk about the situation in the France team. The events of 2019 [World Cup], the injury of 2022 and then recent events show me that I am no longer in adequacy with the management of the France team and the transmitted values,” shared Katoto on social media.
“I am suspending my international obligations in order to focus on my club career. First fan of the France team, if the necessary profound changes finally arrive, I will return to the service of the tricolor jersey,” echoed Diani.
