Speculations about Raphaël Varane’s possible retirement had emerged on Tuesday. They finally turned out to be true. The 2018 world champion with France announced on Wednesday that he was ending his professional football career. A decision that comes after a very serious injury to his left knee suffered on August 11, in the round of 32 of the Italian Cup against Sampdoria Genoa (1-1 and 3-4 on penalties), only a few weeks after his arrival at Como, a club promoted to Serie A and coached by Cesc Fàbregas. On the Lega Serie A website, Varane’s name did not appear among the Como players registered to play in the championship. The Italian press mentioned, for a time, the possibility that his contract could be terminated.
Trained at Racing Club de Lens, the Lille native joined Real Madrid in 2011. In Spain, he would play 360 matches under the Merengues colours and win 17 titles, including three Champions Leagues (2014, 2016 and 2017) and three Ligas (2012, 2017 and 2020). Alongside his Madrid adventure, he discovered the French team in March 2013. A blue jersey that he would wear 93 times and with which he notably won the 2018 World Cup. Mentally and physically exhausted, he left the selection in December 2018. At club level, he joined England and Manchester United in 2022. A two-season adventure undermined by injuries, which ended this summer. It was finally in Como that his career would end.
Varane retires at 31
On his social networks, the former central defender posted an emotional message to say goodbye: ” They say all good things must come to an end. Throughout my career I have faced many challenges, seized every opportunity, almost all of which were meant 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 sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love. I am retiring at the highest standard, I want to go out the front door not clinging to the game. It takes a huge dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Want and need are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time it is time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game winning a trophy at Wembley ” he initially explained before continuing.
” I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the fans of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and I have loved every minute of the journey. Playing at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and mind. The emotions we experience, you can’t find that anywhere else. As athletes, you are never satisfied, you are never satisfied with success. It is our nature and what fuels us. I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have ever dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of sincerity and tried to leave the best wherever I have gone. I hope I made you all proud. And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will stay with Como. Just without my cleats. Something I look forward to sharing more about soon. »
