Raphael Varane Announces His Shock Retirement From Football At Just Age 31.

Raphael Varane has retired from football after suffering a knee injury on his debut with Italian club Como.

The 31-year-old central defender joined the Serie A side this summer after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, but played just 20 minutes for the club in a Coppa Italia match before being substituted off.

He was supposed to remain on the sidelines for months and wasn't even registered by Cesc Fabregas Como squad for the Serie A.

Como won promotion to Italy’s big league last season, ending a 21-year wait of top-flight football, a spell that saw them pummel down to Serie D in 2018.

Varane began his footballing career at his hometown club Lens in France and spent just one season in the first team before joining Real Madrid in 2011 where he was most known for his spell making 360 appearances across 10 seasons.

He won 18 trophies with Los Blancos including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

The decorated centre-back left Madrid and moved to Old Trafford  in the summer of 2021 for an initial £34m, helping the Erik ten Hag's side to win the Carabao Cup in the 2022-23 season and the FA Cup the following year.

Varane left Man United at the end of his contract in June this year after making 95 appearances across three seasons for the Red Devils.

He joined Italian side Como on a free transfer at the start of the 2024/25 season and had signed a two-year deal with the option of a further season but he reportedly decided to terminate the contract, announcing on Wednesday via an emotional post on social media that he is hanging his boots which is a tough decision because of persistent injury issues.

Varane enjoyed a distinguished international career with France, winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Nations League three years later while being capped 93 times by his nation.

He decided to retire from international football in 2022 to focus on his club career, calling it quits on the national team immediately after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar where France failed to defend their title and finished as runners-up behind winners Argentina.

In a social media statement, Varane said “They say all good things must come to an end” and insisted he had “no regrets” over his career.

The defender said that his achievements and memories gave him “immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment” and that he wanted “to go out strong”, with his penultimate match and final full 90 minute appearance coming in the successful FA Cup final win for United at Wembley stadium in May, shutting out Erling Haaland and Man City.

“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed 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 feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.

“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it's the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters 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 loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of 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 even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

“And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

“For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff... from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.”

Thank you, football.

With love, Rapha"

Thank you, football. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/zTC5ebqclB

— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) September 25, 2024 

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo paid tribute to Varane as “a man of exemplary integrity and professionalism” who “embodied the values of courage, commitment and humility.”

“He is an example to the younger generations, through his talent, leadership and total commitment to promoting French football”...Diallo added.

France head coach Didier Deschamps said of the defender: “Knowing him, I know that this decision, which is always difficult to take, is the fruit of mature reflection. So it’s the right decision, and one that we have to respect.”

“He arrived at a young age and quickly established himself as a leader both on and off the pitch, where his opinion was listened to and respected. But as I’ve often said, age is not a criterion for success at the highest level. 

“I remember him as a player who was always looking out for others and for the team.”