Former Real Madrid and Man United star Raphael Varane RETIRES from football aged 31

Raphael Varane announced his decision to retire at the age of 31, after an illustrious career with Real Madrid, Manchester United and France.

Former Real Madrid and Man United star Raphael Varane RETIRES from football aged 31

Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. (via Yahoo Sports)

Ex-Real Madrid defender and World Cup winner Raphael Varane shockingly announced his retirement from football, following a recent injury. The 31-year-old center-back most recently played for newly promoted Serie A side, Como. 

Raphael Varane joined Cesc Fabregas-managed Como this summer as a free agent, after his contract at Manchester United came to an end. He spent the last three seasons at Old Trafford, making around 90 appearances for the club. However, a massive dip in form and injuries led to the Red Devils deciding against renewing his contract at the club. Announcing his retirement on social media, Varane stated that he wanted to end his career with a trophy, referring to United’s FA Cup victory, earlier this year.

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His decision to retire at a premature age of 31 is due to a knee injury that he suffered while making his debut for Como, against Sampdoria. Varane was initially thought to be out for a month, but the club’s decision to leave him off the roster pointed to its seriousness. Prior to this, he spent ten years at Real Madrid, winning four UCL titles, four Club World Cups and three La Liga titles. He made 360 appearances for the Los Blanocs, and went on to forge a brilliant center-back pairing with club legend Sergio Ramos.

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Varane also leaves behind a rich legacy with the French national team as well. He was a key-part of France’s 2018 World Cup winning team, and the team that reached the finals of the World Cup in Qatar, four years later. 

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France head coach Didier Deschamps pays tribute to retiring defender Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane’s decision to retire at 31 has left the entire footballing fraternity in shock, including French national team manager Didier Deschamps. The former player paid tribute to the center-back on social media. 

Raphael Varane Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps paid tribute to retiring French defender Raphael Varane. (via United in Focus)

Varane made 93 appearances for France, since making his debut in 2013. Manager Deschamps lauded him for his professionalism, as well as his vision, technique and mentality. Moreover, he expressed that the national team was like a family for Varane, and would always be welcomed in it. He also praised the Varane’s leadership abilities and his devotion toward the national team.

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Prior to his stint with the national team, the former Manchester United defender also played at the youth levels for France. He was a part of France under-21, under-20 and under-18 sides, making a combined 18 appearances for them.