One by one, the great players of our time are retiring. Some of them are doing it in the age of 37/38, some are still not thinking about it (Cristiano Ronaldo), and some of them are much younger, but injury problems are just getting in the way. Raphael Varane is one of those footballers who decided to quit playing football altogether at the age of only 31. The trophy-winning Frenchman moved from Manchester United to Como as a free agent this June, at the invitation of Cesc Fàbregas. However, since the start of the season, he has played only one match. That was in the Coppa Italia against Sampdoria on August 11. Recurring knee problems have clearly troubled the brilliant defender, who had already faced a meniscus issue that caused him to miss extended time on the field about a decade ago, when he first joined Real Madrid.He might have retired at 31, but Raphaël Varane has had some career:🏟️ 573 games⚽ 26 goals🅰️ 8 assists🏆🏆🏆 La Liga🏆🏆🏆 Supercopa🏆 Copa del Rey🏆🏆🏆🏆 Champions League🏆🏆 Super Cup🏆🏆🏆🏆 Club World Cup🏆 FA Cup🏆 League Cup🏆 Nations League🏆 World Cup pic.twitter.com/tptFUwBckj— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 25, 2024 Varane, who explained he will stay in Como for the time being, announced his retirement 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 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. 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“ wrote the Frenchman in his farewell note.’Good business’ at Old Trafford: Spend 300 million, earn ten times lessVarane began his career at Lens but moved to Real Madrid at the age of 18 for 11 million euros. During his 10 years at the Royal Club, he won four Champions League titles and three La Liga titles, along with various cups, super cups, and four FIFA Club World Cup titles. In 2021, he transferred to Manchester United for 40 million. At Old Trafford, he did not find the well-organized club it once was, and in three seasons, he only had the chance to celebrate winning the FA Cup and the League Cup once each. After the heartbreaking loss to Argentina in the spectacular 2022 World Cup final, Raphaël Varane decided to retire from the national team. He played 93 matches for France, helping them win the 2018 World Cup. That same year, he was named to UEFA’s Team of the Season and the Champions League Team of the Season.
