OFFICIAL: Varane Retires at 31
French international defender Raphaël Varane, former player of Lens, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, announced this Tuesday, through a letter published on his social media, his retirement from professional football at the age of just 31.
"They say that all good things must come to an end. In my career, I have taken on many challenges, getting back up time and time again. It was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, I announce with immense pride and satisfaction my retirement from the sport we all love," expressed the defender, born in Lille on April 25, 1993.
"I demand the most from myself, I want to retire strong, not just clinging to the game. It takes a great deal of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and needs are two different things. I’ve fallen and gotten back up thousands of times, and this time, it’s time to stop and hang up my boots after my last game winning a trophy at Wembley" (the Carabao Cup), he points out.
"I have loved fighting for myself, for my clubs, for my country, for my teammates, and for the supporters of every team I’ve played for. From Lens to Madrid, through Manchester, and playing for our national team. I’ve defended every crest with everything I have, and I’ve loved every minute of the journey. Football at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of the body and mind. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accept success. It's in our nature and what drives us," the French player remarked.
"I don’t regret anything, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have achieved more than I could have ever dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I’m proud to have maintained my principles of sincerity and to have tried to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I’ve made you proud," he said.
"And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will remain at Como (the club I had signed for), just without wearing my boots and shin guards," stated Varane, who thanked all the clubs, teammates, coaches, staff, and supporters of the teams he played for, for "making this journey more special than I could have ever dreamed of."
Trained at the Racing Lens academy, where he made his first-team debut at just 17, he quickly signed for Real Madrid, where he gradually earned a place until becoming one of the undisputed center-backs.
He was at the Madrid club from the 2011-12 season until 2020-21, during which time he won three La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey, as well as four Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and four Club World Cups.
He was part of the French national team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2021 Nations League (he was capped 93 times). In the 2021-22 season, he joined Manchester United, where he spent three seasons and won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
For this season, he had signed for Como alongside Cesc Fàbregas, but, at his own request, he was ultimately not registered due to a knee injury, which has led him to make the decision to hang up his boots.
