PARIS/ROME, Sept 25 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football, according to the German news agency (dpa).
The 31-year-old joined newly promoted Serie A side Como on a two-year deal after leaving United at the end of last season, but sustained a knee injury during his debut in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria.
Later in August, the France international was removed from the club’s squad list for the league season, and the injury has now forced him to call time on his illustrious career.
In an Instagram post, Varane said: “And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.
“For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my team-mates, coaches and staff…from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.”
In total, Varane made 480 club appearances across a 14-year career that saw him win the Champions League four times with Real, as well as earning 93 caps for France en route to lifting the 2018 World Cup.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
