Ada Hegerberg backs Wendie Renard's decision to step away from France | OneFootball

France captain Wendie Renard has announced she will be stepping away from international football as she feels she "can no longer endorse the current system."

The eight-time Champions League winner confirmed she will not be competing at the 2023 World Cup as she takes "a step back" from representing her country.

Teammates Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani have joined their captain in the stance, meaning France has lost three hugely important players from its roster.

Renard, who has been part of France's international setup since 2007 and has 142 senior caps, said this is a necessary decision in order to take care of her mental health.

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What have the France players said?

In a Twitter post that has been viewed more than 2.6 million times, Renard made her statement.

"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," the 32-year-old wrote.

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

"My face can hide the pain, but my heart hurts and I don't want to hurt anymore."

Renard thanked her fans for supporting and respecting her decision.

Shortly after Renard's statement, Diani announced her intention to "suspend my international obligations in order to focus on my club career" but said if "the necessary profound changes finally happen" then she will return to play for her country.

Similarly, Katoto followed up stating she was stepping away from her international career until the changes the players are hoping for are made.

"The words of our captain Wendie lead me, in my turn, to talk about the situation in the French team," the PSG star wrote.

"The events of 2019, the injury of 2022 then recent events show me that I am no longer in conformity with the management of the France team and the values passed on."

The football community has shown its support for the French players, including Ada Hegerberg.

The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner has backed her Lyon teammate Renard and urged for answers.

"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."

Hegerberg similarly took action against the Norwegian Football Federation back in 2017. Her international strike lasted five years and included her refusal to play at the 2019 World Cup.

Renard, Katoto and Diani join a list of players in protest that is growing at an alarming rate.

Most recently, Canada announced a strike in order to protest against recent cuts in funding.

The players were met with threats of legal action and fines, so they were 'forced' to return to training and captain Christine Sinclair announced they were competing at the SheBelieves Cup out of protest.

Last September, a total of 15 Spanish players stepped down from their international duties in protest of head coach Jorge Vilda.

The French Football Federation has released a statement in response to Renard, Katoto and Diani's decisions, stating a meeting is scheduled to address the issue on February 28th.

"The FFF would like to remind that no individual is above the Equipe de France institution," the statement read.