Wed Sep 25 08:14:25 UTC 2024: ## Former World Cup Winner Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31
**Como, Italy** – Just two months after joining Cesc Fabregas’ Como side, former French international Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football. The 31-year-old defender, who won the 2018 World Cup with France and the Champions League four times with Real Madrid, revealed his decision in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.
Varane, who joined Como on a free transfer in July, sustained an injury only 23 minutes into his competitive debut for the club in the Coppa Italia last month. He stated that his decision to retire was based on his desire to listen to his heart and “go out strong” after a decorated career.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Varane wrote. “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.”
Varane’s retirement comes as a surprise, particularly after he joined Como just this summer. His injury in his debut match appears to have played a significant role in his decision, with his return to action considered uncertain.
Varane’s career includes impressive spells at Lens, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, where he amassed a total of 360 appearances for the Spanish giants. He also played 93 times for France, captaining the team on 14 occasions.
Despite his abrupt departure from the pitch, Varane will remain with Como in a yet-to-be-announced capacity. “A new life begins off the pitch,” he said in his Instagram post.
The news of Varane’s retirement comes on the heels of Como’s first Serie A victory in 21 years, a 3-2 win against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday evening.
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