Raphael Varane: Real Madrid and France great announces retirement aged 31 - 'All good things must come to an end'
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Published 25/09/2024 at 08:33 GMT
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from football after sustaining a serious knee injury whilst playing for new club Como 1907 in Serie A. The 31-year-old played just 23 minutes for his new team under manager Cesc Fabregas after he joined as a free agent in the summer. Varane made 480 career appearances at club level and represented France 93 times.
Raphael Varane
Image credit: Getty Images
Raphael Varane has retired from football at the age of 31 after he sustained a serious knee injury on his debut for new club Como 1907.
The legendary defender, who won 22 major trophies during an illustrious 14-year career, succumbed to the injury just 23 minutes into his first appearance for Como in August.
Due to the nature of the injury, Varane - who has struggled with fitness issues over recent years - was consequently omitted from the club’s Serie A squad following his arrival as a free agent in the summer after leaving Manchester United.
"They say all good things must come to an end," Varane wrote on Instagram. "In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible.
"Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.
"I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. 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.
"I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey.
"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.
"Thank you, football."
Varane also confirmed that he would be taking on a non-playing role at Como and that "a new life begins off the pitch".
Varane began his career with Ligue 1 club Lens in France, before joining Real Marid in an €11 million deal in 2011, where he spent 10 trophy-laden years in the Spanish capital.
The centre-back represented the club 360 times and won four UEFA Champions League medals and three league titles during a dominant spell for the Spanish giants.
He also became a four-time FIFA Club World Cup champion, enjoyed Copa Del Rey success and won multiple Spanish and UEFA Super Cups.
Varane’s crowning moment came in 2018 when he lifted the FIFA World Cup with France, having played every minute of the tournament under Didier Deschamps.
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Raphael Varane celebrates with the FIFA World Cup trophy with France in 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
He captained the side in their group stage match against Denmark, and even scored in a 2-0 quarter-final win over Uruguay.
In 93 international apperances for France, Varane also helped the nation to UEFA Nations League success in 2021.
He eventually left Madrid in 2021 and moved to the Premier League to sign for Manchester United in a £40m deal.
Varane made 95 appearances for United, and while he played during an underwhelming period for the club, still managed to add FA Cup and League Cup success to his medal haul.
He departed Old Trafford in May 2024 before joining Como as a free agent, who had just gained promotion to Serie A and led by new head coach Cesc Fabregas.
Varane failed to make a league appearance for Como and played just 23 minutes in the club's first-round Coppa Italia tie against Sampdoria before he sustained what turned out to be a career-ending injury.
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