Raphael Varane with the 2018 World Cup trophy
Adrian DENNIS
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ADDS Varane Quotes
French World Cup winner Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football on Wednesday at the age of 31, adding that he will remain at Como as a non-player.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United centre-back Varane joined the Italian club for this season but was then ruled out of the Serie A squad due to a knee injury in August.
“A new life begins off the pitch,” Varane said on social media.
“I will stay at Como. But without using my boots and shin guards.
“I look forward to sharing more about it soon,” added the four-time Champions League winner.
Varane came through the academy of French club Lens before moving to Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18.
In his first season in the Spanish capital, he won his first of three La Liga titles.
In 2014 he secured the first of his four Champions League titles and three years later the double of league and European championship.
Varane joined United in 2024 and won a League Cup and an FA Cup with the English club.
He left Old Trafford last season to join Cesc Fabregas’ newly promoted club Como, playing just one Coppa Italia game before suffering a knee injury.
“From Lens to Madrid to Manchester and to play for our national team,” said Varane.
“I defended every badge with everything I have and enjoyed every minute of the journey,” he added.
Varane made his debut for Les Bleus in 2013, and the highlight of his international career came in 2018 with success at the World Cup.
He ended his career in France two years ago after 93 international matches.
“I have won more than I ever dreamed of,” said Varane.
“But beyond the awards and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have remained true to my principles of honesty and tried to leave each place better than I found it,” he added.
Several former teammates paid tribute to Varane, including United’s Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
“It was a pleasure for all of us,” Fernandes said on Instagram.
