Just months after signing for Como, Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football, leaving many wondering why.
The former Real Madrid player and Manchester United star Confirmed that he is hanging up his boots at the age of 31 in a statement on Instagram.
During his time as a top centre-back, the former France international won the Champions League four times, La Liga three times and the World Cup in 2018.
However, after too many injuries, he decided to call it a day.
Why is Raphael Varane retiring?
Since he is only 31 years old, Varane He should have had a few more years playing in a top European league, despite United releasing him in the summer of 2024.
But after suffering a serious knee injury During his debut in Como Against Sampdoria, the centre-back was taken off in what turned out to be his last football match.
Writing on Instagram, she said: “Hey say all good things must come to an end.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, risen to the occasion, almost everything that was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of satisfaction that I announce my retirement from the game we all love.
“I demand the most from myself, I want to come out strong, not just hang on to the game. It takes a huge dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and need are two different things. I've fallen and gotten up a thousand times, and this time, it's time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game winning a trophy at Wembley.
“I have loved fighting for myself, for my clubs, for my country, for my team-mates and for the fans of all the teams I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended each badge with everything I had and I have enjoyed every minute of the journey.
“Playing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It tests every level of your body and mind. The emotions we experience you don't get anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, we never accept success. It's our nature and what drives us.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn't change a thing. I've won more than I ever dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I'm proud that no matter what happened, I stayed true to my principles of being honest and trying to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I've made you all proud.”
“And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will stay in Como, but without boots or shin guards. Something I hope to be able to share 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 have foreseen.
“Thank you, football. Love, Rapha.”
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Varane turned down multiple moves to Saudi Arabia in the summer because he still wanted to play in Europe, so he joined Cesc Fabregas in Como on a two-year contract.
However, faced with the prospect of spending months off the pitch, he decided to stop playing football.
In the end, it was just one more injury.
He had already retired from international football in 2023 after 93 appearances for Les Bleus.
Varane even helped France reach the World Cup final in 2022 but was left heartbroken after losing on penalties to Argentina.
After his international career ended, he attempted to focus on club football with Manchester United, but during his tenure at Old Trafford, Varane missed almost 50 games due to various injury problems.
During his time in England, the centre-back never managed to play more than 24 games per season in the Premier League.
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But these injuries did not only occur at United.
While in real MadridThe classy defender was plagued by a number of problems which limited him to 360 appearances in ten years while in Spain.
Taking into account the Champions League and Cup competitions, Real Madrid probably played, on average, more than 50 games per season, which represents a fairly significant amount of matches that they missed.
Ultimately, Varane's body could not cope with the demands of football at the highest level, and he embarks on a new role off the pitch with Como.
