Former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and France defender, Raphael Varane, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
Varane had signed with Italian club Como on a free transfer in July, but sustained a knee injury during his debut against Sampdoria last month.
The former centre-back has confirmed that he will remain with the club in a non-playing capacity.
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” he wrote on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Varane began his career at French club Lens, spending just one season with the first team before joining Real Madrid in 2011.
During his illustrious 10-year stint in the Spanish capital, he won 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
In the summer of 2021, Varane moved to Manchester United for an initial fee of £34 million, making 95 appearances across all competitions despite battling injuries.
He won the Carabao Cup in 2022, and his final appearance for the club was a victory in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May.
Varane made his international debut for France in 2013, earning 93 caps, and achieved major milestones including winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League, and reaching the World Cup final again in 2022.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
On his future plans, Varane added: “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.”
In April, Varane revealed that he had “damaged his body” due to the repeated strain from heading the ball, and once completed a 2014 France World Cup match on “autopilot” after playing through a concussion.
He has since advocated for increased protection and improved awareness regarding this issue.