Raphael Varane, a former star player for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and France, has said he is retiring from football.

Varane, who is 31 years old, has had a hard time staying fit lately. He hurt his knee badly just 20 minutes into his start for Como last month.

Following this, Varane was not included in Como’s Serie A team because he was supposed to be out for a long time.

Because of this, Le Parisien had said before that the 31-year-old was thinking about a surprise exit.

Now, Varane has ended his successful career. He announced the choice in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.

Varane put out a statement with some shots from his career and said, “They say all good things must come to an end.”

“During my career, I’ve taken on a lot of challenges and risen to the occasion. Most of what I did was thought to be impossible.” Amazing feelings, unique times, and memories that will last a lifetime. As I think back on these times, I’m filled with great pride and satisfaction as I announce my retirement from the game we all love.

“I have the highest standards for myself. I want to finish strong, not just hold on to the game.” Being brave means going with your gut and following your heart. Needs and wants are not the same thing. I’ve gotten back up after falling a thousand times, and now is the time to hang up my boots. My last game won a prize at Wembley.

It was great to fight for myself, my clubs, my country, my friends, and the fans of every team I played for. I’ve played for our national team and been to Lens, Madrid, and Manchester. I gave my all to defend every badge, and I loved every minute of the trip. At the hardest level, the game is very exciting. It checks your mind and body at every level. You won’t find the feelings we have anywhere else. As sports, we’re never happy with success and never accept it. It’s in us and what drives us.

“I wouldn’t change a thing and I have no regrets.” I have won more than I ever thought possible, but more than the awards and praise, I am happy that I have always been honest and did my best to leave things better than I found them. I hope I’ve done a good job.

“And now a new life starts off the pitch.” I am going to stay with Como. I just didn’t wear my boots or shin pads. Something I can’t wait to talk about in more detail soon.

“For now, I want to thank the fans of every team I played for, as well as my teammates, coaches, and staff. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than I could have ever imagined.”

“Thank you, football.” With love, Rapha

As soon as Varane died, many of his old teammates and clubs paid respect to him. The France national team also sent their best wishes.

They wrote on X, “Damn dust in the eye.” Thanks, Raph. We all hope you have a great retirement. “Proud to be blue.”  

The World Cup winner left Manchester United at the end of the season and became a free agent. He signed with Como over the summer.

He signed a two-year deal to move to Italy and then joined Cesc Fabregas’ team. He also joined Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno, two other former Premier League stars, in Como’s team.

Varane has now ended his deal with the Serie A team and is getting ready for the next part of his life. 

Varane played at the highest level for 14 years after starting out as a young player at Lens.