Raphael Varane has opened up about his future plans after announcing 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, which saw the defender subsequently ruled out of the Italian Serie A side.
As a result, The Parisian It had previously been reported that the 31-year-old was considering retirement.
And on Wednesday morning, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star called time on his glittering career, revealing the decision via a post on his Instagram account.
In the 377-word statement he shared, Varane explained what his next move will be and the French legend will stay in football.
Raphael Varane has revealed his next step in his career after announcing his retirement
The former Manchester United star has released a 377-word statement on his retirement.
Varane’s decision comes after suffering a serious knee injury on his debut with Como
“And so begins a new life off the pitch,” reads a paragraph in the statement. “I will stay in Como.
“Just without wearing my boots and shin guards. Something I hope to be able to share more about soon.”
Several of Varane’s former teammates and clubs paid tribute to him following the announcement, with Como’s message adding fuel to the fire regarding his future.
The Italian side – coached by Cesc Fabregas – simply said: “There will be more,” increasing the excitement about what this new role will be, which has not yet been announced.
There has been speculation that he might have something to do with coaching, although he could be joined by some of Como’s high-profile minority shareholders.
Along with coach Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry also has a small stake in the club.
Announcing that his career was coming to an end, Varane had written in the aforementioned 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.
Varane revealed he was planning to stay at Como in a new role that has not yet been announced
‘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.
‘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.”
The World Cup winner joined Como as a free agent in 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, upon retiring, Varane has terminated his playing contract with the Serie A side as he now prepares for the next chapter of his life.
The legendary French defender, 31, is best known for his brilliant 10 years with Real Madrid.
Varane lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three years at the club.
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.
The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and proved his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford.
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, meanwhile, 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.
