In a statement published this Wednesday, Raphael Varane announced his end of career a few weeks after signing for Como, in Serie A.

The 2018 world champion with France announced, this Wednesday, that he is ending his professional football career. This decision comes after a very serious injury to his left knee suffered on August 11, in the round of 32 of the Italian Cup against Sampdoria Genoa (1-1 and 3-4 on penalties), only a few weeks after his arrival at Como, a club promoted to Serie A and coached by Cesc Fàbregas.

Trained at Racing Club de Lens, the Lille native joined Real Madrid in 2011. In Spain, he played 360 matches under the Merengues colours and won 17 titles, including three Champions Leagues (2014, 2016 and 2017) and three Ligas (2012, 2017 and 2020). Alongside his Madrid adventure, he discovered the French team in March 2013. A blue jersey that he would wear 93 times and with which he notably won the 2018 World Cup. Mentally and physically exhausted, he left the selection in December 2018. At club level, he joined England and Manchester United in 2022. A two-season adventure undermined by injuries, which ended this summer. It was finally in Como that his career would end.

“Throughout my career I have faced many challenges, seized every opportunity, almost all of which were supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love,” the player wrote.