What They're Saying: Wendie Renard

• by Soccer America , Feb 25, 2023

"It's sad, but it's the only way to protect my mental health. I won't be going to the World Cup under these conditions. My face may mask the pain, but my heart is suffering."

—French women's national team captain Wendie Renard on her decision to quit Les Bleues for whom she earned 142 caps. Within an hour of the 32-year-old Lyon center-back's announcement, Paris Saint-Germain pair Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto also announced they no longer wished to play for France. French soccer has been plagued by controversy recently with Noel Le Graet, the FFF president who hired Diacre and extended her contract through 2024, suspended since January. (@WRenard)