Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The decision comes after he suffered a serious knee injury during his debut for Serie A club Como.
Varane, a World Cup winner with France in 2018 and a four-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, cited the ongoing challenges posed by his injury as the primary reason for his retirement. In a heartfelt statement released on social media, Varane expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
“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” he added in his Instagram post.
Varane’s Journey in Football
He began his professional career at Lens before moving to Real Madrid in 2011, where he quickly became a key figure in the club’s success. During his time at Madrid, Varane won four La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and three FIFA Club World Cups. In 2018, he helped France lift the World Cup trophy, playing a crucial role in their victory over Croatia in the final. Following his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, Varane joined Manchester United, where he continued to impress with his defensive abilities. However, his time at Old Trafford was cut short by a series of injuries, including the knee injury that ultimately led to his retirement.
Varane’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that saw him establish himself as one of the world’s finest defenders. His ability to read the game, anticipate danger, and win aerial duels made him a vital asset to every team he played for. It will be a significant loss to the football world. His exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship will be sorely missed. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, fans around the world will wish him all the best
