FORMER Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football.
The 31-year-old left Old Trafford to become a free agent in July and subsequently joined Serie A side Como.
But having made just one appearance for his new team, he is now hanging up his boots.
In a statement on social media, he wrote: “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.
“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.”
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Varane recently suffered a severe knee injury and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad as a result.
The injury prompted his decision to retire.
However, the World Cup winner has confirmed that he will remain at the club in some capacity.
Varane spent three years at Man Utd after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid.
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Varane’s retirement statement in full
“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. 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. 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.
“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.
“Thank you, football.
“With love, Rapha.”
During that time he made 95 first team appearances and scored two goals.
The most successful period of his career came with Los Blancos in Spain.
Varane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the club.
He also won three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
The centre-back retired from international duty back in February 2023 having been capped 93 times by the French national team.
He said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
“Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride.
“The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.
“I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.”
Raphael Varane career stats
RC Lens
- Appearances – 24
- Goals – 2
Real Madrid
- Appearances – 360
- Goals – 17
Man Utd
- Appearances – 95
- Goals – 2
Como
- Appearances – 1
France national team
- Caps – 93
- Goals – 5
Club Honours:
- 4x Champions League
- 3x La Liga
- 4x Club World Cup
- 3x Spanish Super Cup
- 3x UEFA Super Cup
- 1x Spanish Cup
- 1x FA Cup
- 1x Carabao Cup
International Honours:
- 1x World Cup
- 1x Nations League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
