Team surrounded by the French and in departure (4)
I believe the answer is:
exit
'departure' is the definition.
('exit' can be a synonym of 'departure')
'team surrounded by the french and' is the wordplay.
'team' becomes 'xi' (eleven, a football team).
'surrounded by' indicates putting letters inside.
'the french and' becomes 'et' ('and' in the French language).
'xi' going within 'et' is 'EXIT'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for exit that I've seen before include "Escape route?" , "Road leaving motorway" , "farewell!" , "Player's departure" , "Relinquish the lead" .)