In a shocking announcement, former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football at the age of 31. The French center-back, who recently signed for Italian club Como, cited a knee injury sustained on his debut as the reason for his sudden retirement.
Varane, a World Cup winner with France in 2018 and four-time Champions League champion with Real Madrid, took to Instagram to share his decision, saying:
“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.”
The 31-year-old went on to express his pride and fulfillment in announcing his retirement, stating that he wanted to “go out strong, not just holding on to the game.”
During his illustrious career, Varane made 95 appearances for Manchester United, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, despite being hampered by injuries during his time at Old Trafford. He also earned 93 caps for the French national team and was a key member of the squad that triumphed in the 2018 World Cup.
In his retirement message, Varane thanked the supporters of every club he played for, his teammates, coaches, and staff, expressing his gratitude for making his journey more special than he could have ever imagined.
Despite his retirement from playing, Varane will remain with Como in a coaching role, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life off the pitch. The football world will undoubtedly miss his defensive prowess and leadership on the field, but his legacy as a World Cup and Champions League winner will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
