Ex-Manchester United star Raphael Varane announces shock retirement aged 31 and immediately confirms next move

Former Manchester United star Raphael Varane has announced his retirement due to his continued injury hell.

The 31-year-old has been plagued by fitness issues his entire career and has already spent over 700 days sidelined since 2013.

The World Cup winner, who wasn’t offered a new deal at Old Trafford earlier this summer, joined Italian side Como on a free transfer.

Varane rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to instead link up with Cesc Fabregas at the Serie A newcomers on a two-year deal.

However, he lasted just 23 minutes on his Como debut after being forced off in their Coppa Italia clash with Sampdoria last month.

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

Writing on Instagram, he said: “Hey, say all good things must come to an end.

“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.”

The defender stopped playing international football in February 2023, two months shy of his 30th birthday, to cope with the physical demands of football’s ‘overloaded’ schedule.

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 campaign, the centre-back has now picked up 12 separate injuries.

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Varane has missed over 150 games for club and country across 11 seasons with 27 different injuries since his first in 2013.

Varane made his Lens debut in November 2010 and by the spring of 2011, he was courted by the biggest teams on the planet.

He snubbed initial interest from Sir Alex Ferguson to link up with Jose Mourinho in Madrid following an intervention from Zinedine Zidane.

Varane would ultimately work under Zizou five year later, with the pair winning 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 surgeries on his knee after tearing his lateral meniscus during Real’s 1-1 draw at Espanyol in May 2013.

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

After winning everything in Spain, Varane sought pastures new and finally sealed a switch to the Theatre of Dreams in a transfer rising to £42million three years ago.

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

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

The last of the 95 appearances he did make in a United shirt was arguably among his finest performances since joining the club.

Varane was a standout player in May’s FA Cup final, having started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley.