Raphael Varane, the former defender for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the French national team, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Varane made a move to Italian club Como on a free transfer in July; however, he faced a setback when he sustained a knee injury during his debut match against Sampdoria last month.
The center-back has announced his intention to remain with the club in a capacity outside of playing.
“I hold myself to the highest standard; I aim to exit the game on a strong note rather than merely clinging to it,” he expressed on Instagram. “Listening to one’s heart and instincts requires a significant amount of courage.”
Varane launched his professional journey with the French club Lens, where he played for only one season in the first team before making a significant move to Real Madrid in 2011.
During a remarkable decade in the Spanish capital, he secured 18 trophies, which featured three La Liga titles and four Champions League victories.
The defender joined Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 for an initial fee of £34 million. Subsequently, he made 95 appearances across all competitions, even as he faced challenges with injuries.
In 2022, he secured the Carabao Cup, and his last match for the club culminated in an FA Cup final triumph against arch-rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May.
Varane first represented France in 2013, accumulating 93 caps. His achievements include:
- Winning the World Cup in 2018.
- Securing the Nations League title in 2021.
- Reaching the World Cup final once more in 2022.
“I have experienced countless ups and downs, and now, I believe it is time to step back and retire after securing a trophy in my final match at Wembley,” he stated.
“I have no regrets; I wouldn’t alter a single aspect.” Having achieved more than I ever imagined, I take pride not only in the accolades and trophies but also in my unwavering commitment to my principles. Throughout my journey, I have remained sincere and have consistently aimed to improve every place I have been. The speaker expressed a desire to instill pride in the audience.
Discussing his future plans, Varane stated, “A new life begins off the pitch.” I will continue my association with Como, simply without the use of my boots and shin pads. Anticipation builds as I prepare to share more details in the near future.
In April, Varane revealed that he had “damaged his body” due to the ongoing effects of heading the ball. He recounted an incident from the 2014 World Cup, where he finished a match while experiencing concussion, describing the experience as being on “autopilot.”
He has urged for enhanced safeguards and increased awareness regarding the matter.
