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France defender Raphael Varane, who played for Real Madrid and Manchester United during his illustrious career, has announced retirement from football at the age of 31 in an emotional post on his official Instagram account. After leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, Raphael Varane had joined Como on a free transfer in July, but he suffered a knee injury on his debut for the Italian club against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia last month, and now, he decided to close the chapter on his playing days as a professional footballer.
After playing for Lens in France for a year, Raphael Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011, and during his 10-year stay at the Spanish club, he won 18 trophies, including La Liga three times and the UEFA Champions League four times. Following that, he joined Manchester United in 2021, and across three seasons at the English club, the centre-back made limited appearances due to injuries, but still, he won the FA Cup and the League Cup titles in England.
I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love: Raphael Varane
In his latest post on Instagram, wherein Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football, he also spoke about staying with his current club Como in a non-playing role. The French footballer 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 fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”
Raphael Varane talked about holding himself to the highest standard, looking to go out strong, which he believes was the FA Cup win in a Manchester United shirt against Manchester City at Wembley a few months ago. He spoke about loving to fight for everyone while playing for every team during his time with them, whether it was for Lens, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French football team, without having any regrets.
In his parting words, Raphael Varane thanked everyone for their constant support towards him during his football career. “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 foresee. Thank you, football. With love, Rapha,” he concluded.
