Thu Sep 26 02:57:31 UTC 2024: ## World Cup Winner Raphael Varane Retires at 31 After Knee Injury

**Como, Italy** – French football legend Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, citing a serious knee injury sustained in his debut for Italian club Como. The defender, who played a crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, made the announcement via Instagram, expressing pride in his accomplishments but acknowledging that the time had come to hang up his boots.

Varane, who began his career at Lens, enjoyed a highly successful period at Real Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He joined Manchester United in 2021, adding a League Cup and an FA Cup to his trophy cabinet before moving to Como in July. However, his time in Italy was cut short by a knee injury suffered during his debut game.

“I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley,” Varane wrote, referencing Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph in May.

Varane has decided to stay on with Como in a non-playing role. “A new life begins off the pitch,” he stated, adding that he would share more details about his new position soon.

Manchester United paid tribute to their former defender, praising his “humility, leadership and commitment” in a post on X. The club thanked Varane for his service during his three seasons at Old Trafford and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The retirement of the World Cup-winning defender marks the end of an illustrious career that saw him achieve incredible success at club and international level. While his fans may be saddened by his departure from the field, they will undoubtedly continue to follow his journey with keen interest as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.

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