Wed Sep 25 23:53:52 UTC 2024: ## Former World Cup Winner Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31

**Chennai, India (September 25, 2024)** – French defender Raphael Varane, a key player in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The announcement came on Wednesday, with Varane citing his final game, a FA Cup win with Manchester United in May, as the perfect ending.

Varane enjoyed a stellar career, amassing 360 appearances for Real Madrid, where he won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. In 2021, he moved to Premier League club Manchester United, adding an EFL Cup and an FA Cup to his trophy cabinet in 95 appearances. He left the club earlier this year, joining newly-promoted Serie A side Como as a free agent.

However, his time at Como was short-lived as he suffered a knee injury in his debut match in August. Varane will continue his association with the club, albeit off the pitch, stating his plans to “remain with Como, just without using my boots and shin pads.” He has promised further details about his new role with the club soon.

In his Instagram post, Varane expressed his gratitude and reflected on his career, saying, “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, 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.”

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