How Clubs and Footballers Said Goodbye to Varane after Announcing his Retirement
Raphaël Varane officially announced his retirement from football on Wednesday morning, and since then, he has received an outpouring of tributes from the football world. "Throughout my career, I have faced numerous challenges, many of which seemed impossible. I have experienced incredible emotions, special moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love," Varane declared as he closes his career at the age of 31.
Tired of the injuries that have plagued him toward the end of his career, the defender decided to end his journey to open a new chapter in his professional and personal life. Shortly after the announcement of his retirement, personalities, clubs, and observers from the football world rushed to pay tribute to a player who was cherished both on and off the field.
Real Madrid, the club where Varane played for a decade, quickly issued a statement regarding their former player. "Raphaël Varane will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as one of the greatest central defenders in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club. Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to a player who is already part of the legend of our club," the message read. "Varane is one of the standout players from the historical cycle that allowed the club to win four European Cups, including three consecutive ones between 2014 and 2018," added the statement, proud to have had in its ranks an exemplary player, professional to the end, who accumulated 18 titles in 360 matches.
The unanimity in the tributes
Bruno Fernandes, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Paul Pogba, and many of his former teammates from clubs and national teams also shared their thoughts on the player who came through RC Lens. Didier Deschamps, although he did not share the pitch with Varane, has lived hundreds of memories alongside him in the French national team, including the successful campaign in Russia six years ago. Commenting on the news, he said: "Raphaël has decided to end his career. Knowing him, I know that this decision, which is always difficult to make, is the result of deep reflection. It is therefore the right decision that we must respect. The speed, vision, technique, and mentality… Raphaël had all the qualities necessary to have the magnificent career he had. For ten years, the French team has been like another family for him."
Deschamps highlighted the defender's fundamental role in winning the world title in 2018. "In perfect harmony, especially with captain Hugo Lloris, Raphaël played an important role in the 2018 World Cup and also in 2022. In the national team and everywhere he has been, he has always left the memory of a great professional. For that and for everything else, we are immensely grateful. I wish him happiness in the new challenges he chooses. He will also be able to dedicate himself to his family, which is very important to him," concluded the coach.
Although Varane has decided to retire as a player, he has expressed his desire to remain connected to the world of football. Under what role he will do so, only he knows, but he promised his followers that he will soon reveal the details of his new projects. So, a little more patience is needed.
