Former Manchester United and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement aged 31 after sustaining a serious knee injury during his first game at FC Como.
The Frenchman won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles across 10 years in Madrid, first heading to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2011 aged just 18.
He also won the 2018 World Cup with France and was part of the squad which lost the 2022 final in Qatar, winning 93 caps for his nation and scoring five goals.
Varane has suggested he will move into a backroom role with Como, the Serie A upstarts who are managed by Cesc Fabregas and signed Pepe Reina, Andrea Belotti and ex-Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto over the summer in an attempt to make their mark on the Italian top-flight.
In a post on Instagram, Varane said: “They say all good things must come to an end. 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 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.”
More to follow…
