France women’s national team captain, Wendie Renard, has announced her withdrawl from the French National Team ahead of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
The 32-year-old centre-back cited the “current system” as the reason for her departure, claiming it is “far from the requirements of the highest level” and has taken a toll on her mental health.
Merci pour votre soutien et le respect de ma décision. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/MOryINwvb0
— Wendie Renard (@WRenard) February 24, 2023
Renard has represented her country 142 times with “passion, respect, commitment, and professionalism” but has decided to step back from the French team which comes as a huge shock to the footballing world. The Olympique Lyonnais and France national team skipper has won nine Champions League titles with Lyon and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the women’s game.
In her statement on Instagram, Renard expressed her love for France and thanked her supporters for their understanding. The decision was a tough one, but necessary for her well-being.
Renard’s astonishing statement takes fire at France’s national team manager Corinne Diacre. The manager, who has been in her position since 2017 has had high-profile clashes with key players including Gaëtane Thiney, Eugénie Le Sommer, Sarah Bouhaddi, and Amandine Henry.
How long will we have to go through these lengths for us to be respected? I'm with you, Wendie, and with everybody else going through the same processes. 🫶
Time to act. https://t.co/hD9cUyFD9F
— Ada S Hegerberg (@AdaStolsmo) February 24, 2023
“I have defended the blue white and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,” Renard said. “I love France more than anything else, I am 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 is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health.
“It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team. I will unfortunately not be playing in this World Cup in such conditions. “My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer anymore. “Thank you for your support and for respecting my decision.”
Renard’s announcement comes as a blow to France’s World Cup hopes, with the team drawn in Group F against Jamaica, Brazil, and Panama.
You've got to wonder how long this is going to go on. France have lost several of their top players, with blame pretty clearly lying in one place. How can it keep happening?
— Kathleen McNamee (@kathleen_mcn) February 24, 2023