Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces his retirement
Posted 9/25/24
Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement to end a career that included a World Cup title and a big haul of club trophies. The 31-year-old Varane signed …
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Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces his retirement
FILE - Manchester United's Raphael Varane celebrates on the full time during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File)
Posted
COMO, Italy (AP) — Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that included a World Cup title and a big haul of club trophies.
The 31-year-old Varane signed with promoted Serie A club Como in July but injured his knee during his only appearance with the club — an Italian Cup match against Sampdoria last month.
“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible,” Varane wrote on Instagram. “Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”
Varane was arguably the tournament’s standout defender when France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies.
He moved to Manchester United in 2021 but was restricted to 95 appearances in his three seasons in England — mainly because of injuries.
Varane began his career at Lens.
“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,” Varane said. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of."