Former Manchester United star Raphael Varane announces shock retirement at 31 and immediately confirms his next move

Former Manchester United star Raphael Varane has announced his retirement due to ongoing injuries.

The 31-year-old has been plagued by fitness issues his entire career and has already spent more than 700 days on the sidelines since 2013.

The World Cup winner, who He was not offered a new contract at Old Trafford Earlier this summer, he joined Italian side Como on a free transfer.

Varane rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia Instead of that Connect with Cesc Fabregas on Serie A newcomers with a two-year contract.

However, he He lasted only 23 minutes in his debut in Como after being forced to abandon their Italian Cup conflict with Sampdoria last month.

Varane suffered another serious knee injury and He has now confirmed his retirement.

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.”

The defender stopped playing international football In February 2023, two months before turning 30, to face The physical demands of football's 'overloaded' calendar.

Now, 19 months later, the 93-cap France international is said to be announcing his decision to hang up his boots for good soon.

Since the start of the 2021/22 season, the centre-back has suffered 12 different injuries.

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Varane has missed more than 150 games for club and country over 11 seasons due to 27 different injuries since his first in 2013.

Varane He made his debut at Lens In November 2010 and in the spring of 2011, it was Courted by the biggest teams on the planet.

He disregarded the initial interest of Mr Alex Ferguson Connect with Jose Mourinho In Madrid after an intervention of Zinedine Zidane.

Varane would end up working under Zizou Five years later, the pair won three Champions League titles in successive seasons, as well as a La Liga title.

By then, the former had already undergone the first of his knee surgeries after tearing his lateral meniscus during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw in Spanish in May 2013.

Despite this, Zidane once said: “I don't want a Madrid without Varane,” following continued speculation surrounding the defender's future.

After winning everything in Spain, Varane sought new horizons and finally sealed his pass to the Theatre of Dreams in a The transfer fee amounts to 42 million pounds Three years ago.

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Unfortunately, his frequent injuries followed him into the Premier League and limited his overall influence at Manchester United.

He never managed to make more than 24 Premier League appearances in each of his three seasons due to his repeated problems.

The last of his 95 appearances for United was arguably one of his finest performances since joining the club.

Varane was a standout performer in May's FA Cup final, having started in the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley.