Wendie Renard: France captain will not play at 2023 World Cup ‘to preserve my

France captain Wendie Renard says she will not play at this summer’s World Cup, as she criticised her country’s football “system”.

The 32-year-old defender, who has made 142 appearances for her country, said she was taking a step back from the team “to preserve my mental health”.

Her France team-mate Kadidiatou Diani later joined her in announcing she would no longer play for her country.

Diani said the “management” of the team was one of the reasons behind the move.

Renard and Diani, 27, both played for France during February’s international break, which saw them successfully defend their Tournoi de France title on Tuesday.

“I’m not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer endorse the current system, far from the requirements required by the highest level.

“It is a sad but necessary day to preserve my mental health.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write this message to inform you of my decision to take a step back from the French team. Unfortunately, I will not play in this World Cup in such conditions.

“My face can 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.”

Paris St-Germain forward Diani later posted on Twitter: “Following the press release from our captain Wendie Renard, and in view of recent results and the management of the French team, I have decided that I will stop playing for my international team in order to focus on my club career.

“I am France’s biggest supporter, so if the necessary changes finally happen, I will resume playing for the tricolour jersey.”

France and PSG striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who has been out injured since last summer, responded to Renard’s post on Instagram, calling her a “brave, great woman”.

Hegerberg tweeted: “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.”

On Tuesday, Renard was part of the French team who earned a goalless draw against Norway, following their 1-0 win over Denmark 1-0 and 5-1 thrashing of Uruguay.

AFP football journalist Jeremy Talbot told BBC Sport Renard’s decision was a “huge surprise” because she “loves the French national team despite all the past and current troubles”.

However, he says Renard has never been on good terms with coach Corinne Diacre, who took the captain’s armband from her in 2017 before giving it back in 2021 “but it was too late”.

He adds: “Obviously Renard is fed up with the lack of professionalism within the national team. The difference with what she is used to in Lyon is so huge.

“The last couple of games were very poor and Renard looked very unhappy. It became very hard to see what Diacre wanted to see on the pitch….