It had become quieter around the former world-class defender Raphael Varane, which was also due to injuries. Now the 31-year-old is hanging up his boots.
The Frenchman took to his social channels on Wednesday morning to share a lengthy statement. “They say that all good things must eventually come to an end,” said Raphael Varane, who last played for Serie A newcomers Como – albeit only a brief appearance in the Coppa Italia. Subsequently, knee problems forced him to watch from the sidelines, and they are now also contributing to a relatively early end to his career.
31 is not yet old in football. Varane, who came from his training club RC Lens, joined Real Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18. At 19, he began to play alongside Sergio Ramos, and the tall and once lightning-fast central defender may have played his best football in the 2012/13 season. Outstanding performances in clasicos with rescue operations against Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas or Xavi remain in our memories.
Last international game in the World Cup final
However, Varane then had to undergo knee surgery, which initially stood in the way of his development. Nevertheless, he eventually became Pepe’s successor, winning three league titles and one cup with Real, and four Champions Leagues. The last of which came in 2018, when he also became world champion with France. The 2022 World Cup final was ultimately the last of his 93 international appearances.
He had already lost to Argentina as a Manchester United player. With the Red Devils (one Cup winner, one League Cup winner), he was unable to build on his performances in Madrid due to ongoing injury problems, and the Como chapter is now unlikely to end the way Varane had imagined either. In his statement, however, he still speaks of “incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime”. He still wanted to quit in a moment of strength and not “hold on to this game for too long,” said Varane.
He currently plans to continue living in Como. “Just without shoes and shin guards.”
