Former Real Madrid and Manchester United centre -back Raphaël Varane has retired from football at the age of 31.
Varane’s decision comes abruptly following his recent move to Serie A side Como. The French international left Manchester United at the end of June when his contract expired. Just a month later, he signed with the newly promoted Italian club Como. Unfortunately, his debut ended abruptly due to a serious knee injury just 23 minutes into the game against Sampdoria.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Varane announced his retirement from professional football, reflecting on his journey with a sense of fulfillment. He highlighted the numerous challenges he faced and the determination that propelled him forward, expressing deep appreciation for the remarkable experiences that shaped his career.
“All good things must come to an end,” he wrote. “It is with immense pride that I step away from the game we all cherish.”
He emphasized the importance of leaving the sport on his own terms, stating,
“I set high standards for myself. It takes courage to trust your instincts. Recognizing the difference between desire and need has guided my decision. After experiencing many highs and lows, it is now time to retire.”
Looking ahead, Varane assured fans that he will remain involved with Como, albeit in a non-playing role. In his closing remarks, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his journey.
“I’m excited to share more about this next chapter soon,” he stated. “Thank you for making this experience more extraordinary than I ever dreamed. Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.”
Varane’s remarkable career includes winning several prestigious trophies, such as four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, three La Liga championships, and an FA Cup with Manchester United. He was also an essential part of the France national team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
–
Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
