-
Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer
French World Cup winner Raphaël Varane has announced his retirement from football, ending a career that saw him win four Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
The former France defender was scheduled to play for Como this season in Serie A, but he announced his immediate retirement from the sport on Wednesday due to a knee injury. He played just 20 minutes in Como in the Coppa Italia match, before picking up an injury. Varane will remain with Como in an unspecified non-playing role.
Varane suffered an injury after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season on a free transfer. He agreed to join Cesc Fabregas in Como, but he has called it quits.
“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane said in a statement posted to Instagram.
“In my career, I have faced many challenges, rising to opportunity after opportunity, almost all of which were supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. And it is a feeling of happiness that I announce my retirement from the game that we all love.
“I hold myself to the highest standards, I want to go out strong, not just hold the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and instinct. Desire and need are two different things.”
The announcement ends a career that saw him play for a decade in Madrid after joining the Spanish giants from Lens in 2011. He played 360 times for Madrid and won three La Liga titles (2012, 2017, 2020) along with four Champions Leagues (2014). , 2016, 2017, 2018). They also won the 2014 Copa del Rey there, along with the Club World Cup in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
He moved to United for €41 million ($46 million) in 2021 and helped them to the 2024 FA Cup and 2023 League Cup. At international level, he was part of the French team that won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022 .
Varane added in a statement: “I’ve fallen and got up a thousand times, and this time, it’s time to stop and hang up my boots with the last trophy-winning game at Wembley.
“I like to fight for myself, my club, my country, my friends and the supporters of every team I play for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and play for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have. , and love every minute of the journey The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience trying every level of your body and mind you can’t find anywhere accept success It’s our nature and what fuels us.
“I don’t regret it, I wouldn’t change anything. I have won more than I could have dreamed of, but beyond awards and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I still adhere to the principles of my sincerity. and have tried to leave it somewhere more than I found it I have made you all proud.
“Therefore, a new life starts from the field. I will stay with Como. Only without boots and shin pads. Something I want to show more about.”
United said in a post on X: “You represented our colors with distinction in three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. We hope these qualities will be useful to you in your next endeavor. After Red, always red .”
France manager Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Varane in a statement from the French Football Federation, describing his former charge as “a leader on the pitch but also off it, where his opinion is always heard and respected.”
Madrid also want him to do well in contention.
“Raphaël Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest central defenders in the history of Real Madrid and has always represented the values of our club,” he said.
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family every success in the new chapter of their lives.”
