Just months after signing for Como, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football, leaving many wondering why.
The ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United star confirmed he is hanging up his boots at the age of 31 in a statement on Instagram.
In his time as a top centre-back, the former France international won the Champions League four times, LaLiga three times and the World Cup in 2018.
However, after one too many injuries, he’s called it a day.
Why has Raphael Varane retired?
Given he’s just 31, Varane should have still 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But after suffering a serious knee injury during his Como debut against Sampdoria, the centre-back was withdrawn in what proved to be his final game of football.
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.”
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Varane rejected multiple moves to Saudi Arabia in the summer because he still wanted to play in Europe, so he joined Cesc Fabregas at Como on a two-year deal.
However, faced with the prospect of months on the sidelines, he’s decided to move on from playing football.
In the end, it was just one too many injuries.
He had already retired from international football in 2023 after 93 appearances for Les Bleus.
Varane even helped France make the World Cup final in 2022 but was left heartbroken after defeat on penalties to Argentina.
With his international career done, he tried to focus on club football at Manchester United, but in his tenure at Old Trafford, Varane missed nearly 50 games due to various injury issues.
During his time in England, the centre-back never managed more than 24 appearances a season in the Premier League.
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But these injuries didn’t just happen at United.
While at Real Madrid, the classy defender was plagued by various problems that limited him to 360 appearances in ten years while in Spain.
Given the Champions League and cup competitions, Real Madrid probably played, on average, well over 50 matches a season; that is quite a significant number of games he missed.
Ultimately, Varane’s body couldn’t quite cope with the demands of football at the highest level, and he embarks on a new off-field role with Como.
