Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football.
Varane, 31, has struggled for fitness in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month.
Varane was subsequently left out of Como’s Serie A squad as he is expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time.
As a result, The Parisian He had previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering a surprise retirement.
And now Varane has called time on his glittering career, revealing the decision via a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday morning.
Legendary French defender Raphael Varane, 31, has announced his retirement from football
The former Manchester United star has called time on his glittering playing career.
Varane joined Italian club Como in the summer but suffered a serious knee injury on his debut.
Varane will be out for an extended period of time and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad
Alongside a series of photographs from his career, Varane wrote in a statement: ‘They say all good things must come to an end.
‘In my career I have taken on many challenges, risen to the occasion, almost everything that was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of satisfaction that I announce my retirement from the game we all love.
‘I demand the most from myself, I want to come out strong, not just hang on to the game. It takes a huge dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and need are two different things. I’ve fallen and gotten up a thousand times, and this time, it’s time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game winning a trophy at Wembley.
‘I have loved fighting for myself, for my clubs, for my country, for my team-mates and for 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 shield with everything I had and I have enjoyed every minute of the way. Playing at the highest level is an exciting experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience cannot be found anywhere else. As sportspeople, we are never satisfied, we never accept success. It is our nature and what drives us.
‘I don’t regret anything, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve won more than I ever dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I’m proud that no matter what happened, I stayed true to my principles of being honest and trying to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I’ve made you all proud.’
‘And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will continue in Como, but without using boots or shin guards. Something I hope to be able to share more about soon.
Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018 and made 93 appearances for Les Bleus.
The 31-year-old French centre-back is best known for his brilliant 10 years with Real Madrid.
‘For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever have foreseen.
“Thank you, football. Love, Rapha.”
Several of Varane’s former teammates and clubs were quick to pay tribute to the Frenchman, while the French national team also passed on their well wishes.
In a post on X, they said: ‘Damn dust in your eyes. Thanks for the work Raph. We all wish you a happy retirement. #ProudtobeBlue.’
The World Cup winner had joined Como as a free agent during the summer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.
He moved to Italy on a two-year contract, where he joined Cesc Fabregas’ side, and linked up with former Premier League stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno at Como.
But now, Varane has terminated his contract with the Serie A side as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.
Varane, who came through the youth ranks at Lens, played in the top flight for 14 years.
After a season in the first team of the Ligue 1 side, the central defender joined Real Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18.
He went on to make 360 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey, among several other trophies over the course of a decade.
Varane won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three years at the club.
Varane revealed he was planning to stay at Como in a new role that has not yet been announced
The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and showed his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford, racking up 95 appearances for the Red Devils.
His final game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup by starting in a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley in May, while he also won the Carabao Cup with the club.
Varane also shone for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph, with the defender racking up 93 caps in total for Les Bleus before retiring from international duty at the age of 29 in February 2023.