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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

France told to make Raphael Varane captain ahead of Kylian Mbappe following Hugo Lloris' retirement

Manchester United fans have called upon Didier Deschamps and the French FA to install Raphael Varane as the country's new captain ahead of PSG star Kylian Mbappe.

France have been captained in recent years by Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. However, the 36-year-old has now announced that he will be retiring from international football.

Announcing his retirement, Lloris said: "There comes a time when you have to know how to hand over the reins. I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn't belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that's the case, me first.

ALSO READ: What Varane has said to Bale following retirement

"I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready.

"I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children."

With Lloris' decision now set in stone, some have called for Mbappe to take over the captaincy. The 24-year-old became the first man since Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as Argentina defeated France in Qatar.

Having been a pivotal player in the French national team since his inclusion, it is deemed by a few supporters that the next step is to take on the armband. However, United fans disagree.

On Twitter they have claimed that their centre-back should be given the armband for Les Bleus with some even providing evidence for their claim. Here is what Reds fans have been saying on social media.

Varane had an injury before the World Cup but believing in his ability, Deschamps chose to include him in the squad despite his lack of game time. In the month that followed, the 29-year-old proved his coach right, performing admirably as the French went within fingertips of lifting the prestigious trophy.

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