France and Lyon veteran star Wendie Renard says France is ‘far from the requirements of the highest level’
French star Wendie Renard has withdrawn from playing in the 2023 Women’s World Cupbecause of the national team’s low standards.
Renard claims France doesn’t operate at ‘the highest level’
Wendie Renard, who has represented France 142 times, has announced her decision to not play for the Les Bleus in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“I have defended the blue, white and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,” Renard wrote. “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.
“I can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level“
“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 is a legend of French football. She has won 8 champions League titles. However, she has had her fair share of problems with manager Corinne Diacre, who has stripped her of France captaincy in 2017 and claimed Renard’s level is not high enough in a year that she won the league title, the Champions League and was named to the FIFPRO World XI.
