The 31-year-old has had a lot of health problems, mostly with his knee, so he has only played once for Como since joining them for free in the summer after leaving Old Trafford. Como didn’t even add Varane to their Serie A team because they didn’t think he would be back for a few months. It looks like he has chosen to hang up his boots instead of continuing his fitness journey. He confirmed the news in a very emotional statement.

“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane wrote in an emotional letter to supporters on Instagram. “In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. 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. I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. 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.

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. 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. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us. 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.

“And so, 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. For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee. Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.”

The France international, who retired from international service in February 2023 after 93 caps, won the World Cup four times and the Champions League five times. He also won many other titles. He has played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, two of the best teams in the world. There isn’t much else he could have done.

Varane had a deal with Como that ran until 2026, but that deal is now over, and the Serie A team may start looking for a new player to take his place. On Sunday, Como plays Verona at home. This could be the defender’s last live game in front of the people.

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane has retired from football at the age of 31.

Varane joined Italian side Como on a free transfer in July but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month.

The centre-back says he will stay at the club in a non-playing role.

“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 side Lens but spent just one season in the first team before joining Real Madrid in 2011.

He enjoyed a glittering 10-year career in the Spanish capital, winning 18 trophies – including three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The defender moved to Old Trafford in the summer 2021 for an initial £34m, going on to make 95 appearances in all competitions.

He won the Carabao Cup in 2022 and his final appearance for the club was an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May.

Varane made his France debut in 2013 and earned 93 caps, winning the World Cup in 2018, the Nations League in 2021 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.”