Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Varane, who currently plays for Manchester United, made the announcement on social media, stating that it was with "immense pride" that he was ending his career.
Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011 and spent 10 years with the club, winning 18 trophies, including four Champions League titles. He also played for Lens in France and had a brief stint with Manchester United.
The defender made his France debut in 2013 and went on to win the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2021. He also played in the 2020 European Championship.
Varane's retirement comes after a series of injuries, including a knee injury that he suffered during a match against Sampdoria in August. He had signed a two-year contract with Como in July but was forced to retire due to his injuries.
Despite his retirement, Varane will remain with Como in a non-playing role. His retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that saw him become one of the most successful defenders in the world.
Varane's announcement was met with tributes from his former teammates and coaches, who praised his dedication, skill, and leadership on and off the pitch. His retirement will be deeply felt in the football world, but his legacy will live on through his many achievements and the impact he had on the sport.
