Former Manchester United and Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from all forms of football at the age of 31. Varane had joined Como in Italy from Manchester United and did not play in Serie A due to an injury.
Varane, who has had one of the most illustrious careers in Real Madrid and Manchester United, took to social media to hang up his boots.
On 11th August 2024, Varane sustained a knee injury while playing for Como in the Coppa Italia match versus Sampdoria. It was a serious injury and that forced the club to not include his name in the Serie A squad list.
Raphael Varane decided to announce his retirement following this shock injury saga, that cut short on his incredible career as a centre-back.
“They say all good things must come to an end,” said Raphael Varane.
“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,” he added.
“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,” said Varane.
Raphael Varane has won 18 titles with Real Madrid
In his stint at the Los Blancos from 2011-2021, Varane bagged 11 titles, including 3 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. While donning the shirt at Old Trafford, he won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup for Erik Ten Hag and co.
He last played for Manchester United in the finals of the FA Cup at the Wembley Stadium, in which United defeated arch-rivals Manchester City, 2-1.
He has also won the FIFA World Cup
While representing his nation France, the 31-year-old was part of the title-winning side of France in the FIFA World Cup 2018. He was also part of the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
