Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31

Raphael Varane, the former French international and Real Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31 due to a knee injury sustained during his debut with Serie A side Como. Varane reflected on his illustrious career, which includes four Champions League titles and a World Cup victory in 2018, expressing pride in his achievements and emphasizing the importance of retiring on his own terms. He joined Manchester United in 2021 but faced significant injury challenges, making only 95 appearances before leaving the club as a free agent this summer. Following his retirement, he confirmed he will stay on with Como in a non-playing capacity. Tributes from former teammates, including Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, highlighted his impact on and off the pitch. Varane's decision marks the end of a remarkable career characterized by both personal and team successes.