The captain of the French national team women’s soccerWendie Renard, announced this Friday that he took “a step back” and will not participate in the World Cup in the category, held from July 20 to August 20, under the current conditions, a decision that was accompanied by the forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto.
“I love a France more than anything (…) but I can no longer support the current system, so far from the requirements required by the highest level”, published in her social networks Renard, defender of Lyon, who accumulates 142 games with the Blue.
“It’s a sad but necessary day to preserve my mental health,” added the 32-year-old.
The announcement went down like a bomb in French women’s football, just five months away from the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, in which France are in the Group Brazil alongside Panama and Jamaica.
Renard did not specify the reasons for his departure, but it opens a new chapter in his complicated relationship with coach Corinne Diacre, who took away his captain’s armband upon his arrival in 2017 and later returned it in September 2021.
Renard had the support of his teammates
Shortly after, Katoto and Diani made a similar announcement. Both called for “necessary changes” in the direction of the selection, in statements published on social networks.
“Following a statement from our captain and in view of the recent results and the work of the leadership of the France national team, I announce that I am suspending my international obligations to concentrate on my club career. I am the number 1 fan of the France national team, if the necessary deep changes happen, I will return to serve the tricolor shirt”, wrote Diani, current top scorer of the French Championship.
His teammate Katoto, currently injured and top scorer in the French top flight for the last three seasons, said she “does not agree” with the selection’s coaching staff and the “transmitted values”.
Check out the full statement from Wendie Renard, published on her social networks:
“I’ve defended the red white blue shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism. I love France more than anything, I’m not perfect, far from it, but I can’t support the current system anymore, so far from the demands required by the highest level .
It’s a sad day, but a necessary one to preserve my sanity.
It is with a heavy heart that I come through this message to inform you of my decision to take a step back with the French national team. Unfortunately, I will not participate in the World Cup under these conditions.
My face may hide the pain, but my heart hurts… and I don’t want to hurt anymore.
Thank you for your support and respect for my decision.”
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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