As the 16-time PGA Tour winner bids farewell to the game after four decades, we celebrate one of the lasting memories he has gifted us
France World Cup winner Raphael Varane on Wednesday announced his retirement from football at the age of 31, adding that he will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United centre-back Varane had joined the Italian club for this season but was then excluded from their Serie A squad having suffered a knee injury in August.
"A new life begins off the pitch," Varane said on social media.
"I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads.
"Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon," the four-time Champions League winner added.
Varane came through the academy at French club Lens before joining Madrid as an 18-year-old in 2011.
He claimed the first of his three La Liga titles in his maiden season in his first season in the Spanish capital.
In 2014 he secured the first of his four Champions League crowns with a league and European double three years later.
Varane joined United in 2024, lifting a League Cup and an FA Cup with the English club.
He left Old Trafford last season to move to Cesc Fabregas' newly-promoted Como, playing just one Coppa Italia match, when he sustained a knee injury.
"From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team," Varane said.
"I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey," he added.
With Les Bleus, Varane made his debut in 2013 with the pinnacle of his international career coming in 2018 and the World Cup success.
He finished his France career two years ago on 93 caps.
"I have won more than I could have even dreamed of," Varane said.
"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," he added.
Various former teammate paid tribute to Varane, including United's Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
"It was a pleasure for all of us," Fernandes said on Instagram.
ALSO READ:
As the 16-time PGA Tour winner bids farewell to the game after four decades, we celebrate one of the lasting memories he has gifted us
The DP World Tour gears up for an exciting event with the $3.25 million acciona Open de España, marking the 37th of 44 tournaments in the season
His handling of logistical challenges underscores his commitment to staying prepared for the next phase of his career as he travels to the U.S. for PGA Tour Q’School
India delivered a remarkable performance at the Fide Chess Olympiad in Budapest, securing gold medals in both men's and women's events
Markram's unbeaten 69 and 26 not out from Stubbs saw them reach 170 for three wickets off 33 overs in reply to Afghanistan's total of 169
The Emirati has become the most successful driver by winning his fifth UIM F2 World Championship title
Dubai Basketball, the newly established franchise, won their first game against an European giant at Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday
The next LIV Golf Promotions event is scheduled for December at the prestigious Riyadh Golf Club, marking a significant step in the tournament’s expanding global footprint