Varane Retires From Football At 31
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender, Raphael Varane, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Varane left Manchester United in the summer to team up with newly promoted Italian Serie A side, Como on a short-term deal.
He suffered a serious knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria in August.
Varane has struggled with injuries in the last two years and he has now announced his retirement from football to recover fully and follow another path.
He said: “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 trophy at Wembley.
“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.
He also provided an update on his plans, revealing that he will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.
Varane said: “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.”
He started his club career at Ligue 1 side Lens, before joining Real Madrid in 2011, where he played 360 times and won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies in a trophy-laden spell.
He made 93 appearances for France from 2013-22, playing a key role in their victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Varane made 95 appearances for Manchester United before joining Como in the summer, he won the League Cup and the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
