Former Real Madrid, Manchester United and French defender Raphael Varane has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Raphael Varane transferred to Italian side Como from Manchester United in July after his contract expired, but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month.
However, the center back stated that he will continue to stay at Como in a non playing role:
“I hold myself to the highest standard. I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” he wrote on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
The French international started out his career in France at Lens and spent just a season there before moving to Real Madrid in 2011.
He stayed with the Spanish Giant for a good 10 years winning a total of 18 trophies including four(4) Champions League’ and three(3) La Liga titles.
The defender then moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 for £34m, and made a total of 95 appearances for the Red devils despite struggling with injuries.
In his three year spell at the Manchester club he won the Carabao cup in 2022 and the Fa Cup against city rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May 2024.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino wished Varane “good luck for the future.”
“A legend of the beautiful game and a crucial voice in Fifa’s global stand against racism,” Infantino added.
Also his long time team mate, Cristiano Ronaldo, who he played together with at both Real Madrid and Manchester United, all wished the Frenchman good luck in his future.
“A great career and a football legend! Congratulations for everything brother, hope to see you soon,” CR7 wrote on Instagram.
Raphael Varane made the national team in 2013 making his international debut, while earning a further 93 caps, winning the World cup in 2018, the Nations League in 2021 and reaching another World cup final in 2022.
“I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley,” Varane said.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”
On what comes next, Varane added: “A new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”
Back in April, Varane revealed he had “damaged his body” because of the constant impact of heading the ball, and once ended a France world cup game in 2014 on “autopilot” after playing with a concussion.
He also called for greater protection and better awareness of the issue.
