Raphael Varane says goodbye One of the best central defenders of the last decade has announced his retirement from football at just 31 years of age. The Frenchman is hanging up his boots, the best of which he had as a player of the Real Madridwho has been heavily punished by injuries in recent seasons. This summer he signed for As Italian and, after a final physical accident, signed his dismissal.
The news leaked on Tuesday evening and was confirmed, a few hours later, by Varane himself. With an emotional statement on his social networks, the defender said goodbye to his passion, announcing that he would continue to be linked to Como, in a role not yet revealed, but “without wearing the boots”. He only played 23 minutes with his last club.
Varane, from Lens French and signed at 18 years old by Real Madrid, he has a privileged track record. The four stand out Champions League which he won in white and the 2018 World Cup which he won with the French team. Four Club World Cupsthree Suspendersthree European Super CupsA Country LeagueA League Cup and one FA Cup won with the Manchester United in its final stage and several other titles also decorate its windows.
Varane’s career has been meteoric. Signed by Real Madrid Mourinho while he was unknown, recommended by Zinedine ZidaneHe grew up as a white player until he was moved from the starting position. Nearly Sergio Ramos They formed a powerful duo in the centre of defence, which split in 2021 after both left.
Recruited by Manchester United for 40 million, while he only had one year left on his contract in Madrid, he arrives in the first League with the poster of the world star. Injuries and the instability of the English club prevented him from shining and this summer, after reaching the end of his contract, he left for the Cesc Fabregas in the Series A. In February 2023, shortly after playing the Qatar World Cuphe retired from the national team.
Varane’s letter
“They say all good things must come to an end.
Throughout my career, I have faced many challenges, risen at every opportunity, almost everything was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love.
I hold myself to the highest level, I want to come out strong, not just hang on to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Want and need are two different things. I’ve fallen and gotten back 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 loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the fans of every team I played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester to our national team. I defended every shield with everything I had and loved every minute of the journey. Playing at the highest level is an exciting experience. Testing every level of your body and mind. The emotions we feel can’t be found anywhere else. As athletes we are never satisfied and never accept success. It’s our nature and what fuels us.
I don’t regret it, I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve won more than I could have dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I’m proud that no matter what, I’ve stayed true to my principles of sincerity and I’ve tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I’ve made you proud.
And so a new life begins on the pitch. I will stay in Como, but I will not wear my boots and shin guards. Something I look forward to sharing soon.
For now, to the fans of every club I’ve 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 have ever predicted.
Thanks, football.
My love, Rapha.”
