Sundiata Post – Former Manchester United defender, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31.
Varane struggled to maintain consistent form due to injuries after joining the Red Devils from Real Madrid.
A serious knee injury compounded the Frenchman’s woes just 20 minutes into his debut for Serie A side Como last month from which he was left out of the squad.
In a statement on Wednesday, the 31-year-old wrote: ‘They 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 fulfilment 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 hold on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. 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 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.”
Teams Pay Tribute
The Fench national team took to its official X handle to pay tribute to its former captain in a farewell message
”Just a bit of dust in our eyes Thanks for all the hard work over the years Raph’ We’re all wishing @raphaelvarane
a happy retirement” the message read.
Real Madrid, the side that the player experienced huge success were not left out of the praise for the 3-time La Liga champion.
Manchester United also wrote on its X handle,”You represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture. Once a Red, always a Red.”
Varane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid, winning three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey, among several other trophies over a decade.
The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and displayed his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford, racking up 95 appearances for the Red Devils.
His last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley in May, while he also won the Carabao Cup with the club.
Varane also shone for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph, with the defender earning 93 caps in total for Les Bleus before he retired from international duty at the age of 29 in February 2023.
