Raphael Varane has announced his shock retirement from football at the age of 31 – after the former Man United and Real Madrid star suffered a serious knee injury on his debut for Como last month

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France star Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football.

Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury last month just 20 minutes into his debut for Como.

Varane was subsequently left out of Como’s Serie A squad as he was expected to be sidelined for an extended period.

Le Parisien previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering retirement.

And now Varane has put an end to his glittering career, announcing his decision on Wednesday morning via a post on his Instagram account.

Legendary French defender Raphael Varane, 31, has announced his retirement from football

The former Manchester United star has ended his glittering career in the sport

Varane joined Italian side Como in the summer but suffered a serious knee injury on his debut

Varane will be out for an extended period and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad

Alongside a series of photos from his career, Varane wrote in a 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.

“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.

Varane won the 2018 World Cup with France and played a total of 93 international matches for Les Bleus

The 31-year-old French central defender is best known for his brilliant 10 years at Real Madrid

‘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.’

Several of Varane’s former teammates and clubs were quick to pay tribute to the Frenchman, while the French national team also wished them well.

They posted on X: ‘Damn dust in your eyes. Thanks for the work Raph. We all wish you a happy retirement. #ProudtobeBlue.’

The world champion 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.

But now Varane has terminated his contract with the Serie A club as he prepares for the next chapter in his life.

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.

Varane won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three-year spell at the club

Varane revealed he planned to stay at Como in a new role yet to be announced

The Frenchman joined United in 2021 and showed his qualities despite injuries during his three years at Old Trafford, making 95 appearances for the Red Devils.

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.

Varane also 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.