Varane thanks Real Madrid for first France call-up

Aug 10, 2012 8:53:00 PM

The Blancos centre-back praised his club side after becoming one of the new additions in Didier Deschamps' first national squad for the friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday

Raphael Varane says that he owes his call-up to the France national squad to Real Madrid and coach Jose Mourinho.

Earlier on Friday, Didier Deschamps announced his first Bleus squad for Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay, and the 19 year-old centre-back, who was joined by club team-mate Karim Benzema on the list, was full of praise the input of the current Liga champions.

"I'm very pleased and surprised," he told realmadrid.com. "It's an honour and a privilege for me. I owe this call-up to Real Madrid for believing in me, to Mourinho, who I learn from everyday, and for the excitement I have about playing each day".

Varane added that he was determined to make a breakthrough into the national side and become an integral part of their future plans.

"Playing with France is the challenge of playing with one of the national teams with the greatest football histories," he continued.

"I'm going to do everything possible to add to the confidence that the [French Football] Federation and my coach have in me."

Varane made 15 appearances for Real Madrid last season, scoring two goals in the process.

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