Raphael Varane reveals his next career move after announcing retirement – as the former Man United, Real Madrid and France star prepares for a new chapter
Raphael Varane has spoken candidly about his future plans after announcing his retirement from football.
Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years, suffering a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month, with the defender subsequently out of the Italian club’s Serie A squad.
As a result, The Parisian had previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering retirement.
On Wednesday morning, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star called time on his glittering career, announcing his decision in a post on his Instagram account.
In the 377-word statement he shared, Varane explained what his next move will be. The French legend will remain in football.
Raphael Varane has revealed his next career move after announcing his retirement
The former Manchester United star posted a 377-word statement about his retirement
Varane’s decision comes after he suffered a serious knee injury on his debut for Como
“And so begins a new life off the pitch,” reads a paragraph of the statement. “I will remain with Como.
‘Just without using my boots and shin guards. Something I’ll share more about soon.’
Several of Varane’s former teammates and clubs paid tribute to him following the announcement, with Como’s message adding further fuel to the fire regarding his future.
The Italian club, led by Cesc Fabregas, simply said: “There is more to come”, adding to the excitement over the new role, which has yet to be announced.
There has been speculation whether it could be related to coaching, while he could join some of Como’s leading minority shareholders.
Besides manager Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry also has a small stake in the club.
When Varane announced that his career was coming to an end, he wrote in the aforementioned statement: ‘They say all good things must come to an end.
‘In my career I have taken on many challenges, risen from opportunity to opportunity, almost everything seemed impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the sport we all love.
Varane revealed he planned to stay at Como in a new role yet to be announced
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to start strong, not just hold on to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and need are two different things. I have fallen and gotten up a thousand times, and this time it is the time to stop and hang up my boots with my last game, winning a trophy at Wembley.
‘I have enjoyed fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and have enjoyed every minute of the journey. Competing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It tests every level of your body and mind. The emotions we experience cannot be found anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, we never accept success. It is our nature and what drives us.
“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change anything. I have won more than I could ever have imagined, but apart from the awards and trophies, I am proud that, no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of honesty and tried to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.
‘And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will stay with Como. Only without using my boots and shin guards. Something I will share more about soon.
‘For now, to the supporters of every club I’ve played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than I could ever have imagined.
‘Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.’
The world champion only left for Como as a free agent last summer, after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.
He signed a two-year contract with Italy, where he joined Cesc Fabregas’ team. He was part of the Como squad alongside former Premier League stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno.
However, with his retirement, Varane also terminates his contract with the Serie A club as he now prepares for the next chapter in his life.
The legendary French defender, 31, is best known for his glittering 10 years at Real Madrid
Varane won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three-year spell at the club
Varane, who attended Lens’ youth academy, played at the highest level for 14 years.
After one season in the first team of the Ligue 1 club, the central defender left for Real Madrid in 2011 at the age of 18.
He played 360 games for the Spanish giants and won three La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and the Copa del Rey in ten years.
The Frenchman joined United in 2021 and showed his qualities during his three years at Old Trafford, despite the injuries he had.
In his final game in a United shirt he lifted the FA Cup, starting the 2-1 win over Man City at Wembley in May, and also won the Carabao Cup with the club.
Meanwhile, Varane shone for France during their 2018 World Cup triumph. The defender made 93 appearances for Les Bleus before retiring from international duty in February 2023 at the age of 29.