Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement from football. Due to a knee injury, the former France defender, who was scheduled to play for Como in Serie A this season, announced on Wednesday that he was retiring from football immediately. Varane had only played 20 minutes in a Coppa Italia match for Como before getting injured.
Raphael Varane Retires After Suffering Knee Injury
Varane had been dealing with injuries following his free transfer from Manchester United at the end of the previous campaign. He made the decision to retire, despite having signed to join Cesc Fabregas at Como.
“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane said in a statement posted to 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 fulfilment 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.”
Varane Will Keep Working In Football
In his statement on Instagram, Varane also stated that a new life will begin off the pitch for him and he will remain at Como. Varane stated:
“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. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.
“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.
“And so, 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.”
Conclusion
Varane’s announcement to retire brings an end to a career that saw him play for Madrid for ten years after signing from Lens to Los Blancos in 2011. He made 360 appearances for Madrid and notably won four Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). The 31-year-old also won three La Liga championships (2012, 2017, 2020). He won four Club World Cups (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), and he also won the 2014 Copa del Rey title for Real Madrid.
After joining United in 2021 for a reported sum of €41 million ($46 million), he helped the team win the FA Cup in 2024 and the League Cup in 2023. Raphaël Varane was also part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.
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