Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces retirement

COMO, Italy (AP) — Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane He announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that included a World Cup title and numerous club trophies.

Varane, 31, The club that is promoted to Serie A has reached an agreement with Como He joined the team in July but suffered a knee injury in his only game for the club, a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria last month.

“Throughout my career I have overcome many challenges and encountered many opportunities, almost all of which were thought to be impossible.” Varane wrote on Instagram“As I reflect on these moments, it is with great pride and joy that I announce my retirement from the game we all love.”

Varane was arguably the best defender of the tournament when France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring the most important of his five international goals with a header against Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Varane, who has excellent positional perception thanks to his quick reading of the game, is good on the ball and an elegant defender, formed a solid centre-back duo with Samuel Umtiti in that tournament.

He also played a key role in Madrid winning four Champions League titles and three Spanish League trophies.

He joined Manchester United in 2021 but managed to make just 95 appearances in his three seasons in England, mostly due to injuries.

Varane started his career at Lens.

“From Lens to Madrid, to Manchester and playing for our national team. I defended every badge with everything I had and loved every minute of the journey,” said Varane. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve won more than I could ever have imagined.”

Varane already existed Retired from the French national teamA few months after losing to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, the player, who was playing for Les Bleus for the 93rd time since making his debut in 2013, collapsed in exhaustion late in extra time.

Over the years, he has become one of the main leaders of the French national team under coach Didier Deschamps, along with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Antoine Griezmann.

“Knowing him, I know that this decision, which is always difficult to take, came after mature thought,” Deschamps said. “Therefore, it is the right decision that we must respect. Speed, vision, technique, mental strength, Raphael had all the qualities needed to achieve his magnificent career.”

Varane played in a total of 22 matches in major tournaments.

“I will remember a player who was focused on others and the team. He had a perfect rapport with captain Hugo Lloris,” Deschamps said. “In the national team and wherever he went, he always left the impression of a great professional.”

Varane said he would stay in Como: “Just without my boots and shin guards. It’s something I look forward to sharing more about soon.”

Como wins first Serie A title in more than 21 years as manager Cesc Fabregas’ team beat Atalanta 3-2 Tuesday. ___

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