Raphael Varane has opened up on his future plans after announcing his retirement from football.
Varane, 31, has struggled to stay fit in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como last month, with the defender subsequently left out of the Italian side’s Serie A squad.
As a result, Le Parisien had previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering retirement.
And on Wednesday morning, the former Man United, Real Madrid and France star called time on his glittering career, revealing the decision via a post on his Instagram account.
Within the 377-word statement he shared, Varane explained what his next move will be – and the France legend is set to stay 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, a new life begins off the pitch,’ one paragraph of the statement read. ‘I will remain with Como.
‘Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.’
Several of Varane’s former team-mates and clubs paid tribute to him following the announcement, with Como’s message adding more fuel to the fire in regards to his future.
The Italian side – who are managed by Cesc Fabregas – simply said: ‘More to come,’ increasing the excitement of what this new role, that is yet to be announced, will be.
There has been speculation over whether it would be to do with coaching, while he could join some of Como’s high-profile minority shareholders.
Along with boss Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry also has a small stake in the club.
When announcing his career was coming to an end, Varane had written in the aforementioned statement: ‘They say all good things must come to an end.
‘In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was 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 feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.
Varane revealed he was planning to stay with Como in a new role that is yet to be announced
‘I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. 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.
‘I have loved 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 loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.
‘I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. 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. I hope I have made you all proud.
‘And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.
‘For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.
‘Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.’
The World Cup winner had only joined Como as a free agent over the summer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season.
He made the move to Italy on a two-year deal – where he linked up with Cesc Fabregas’ side – and joined fellow former Premier League stars Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno in Como’s squad.
But, by retiring, Varane has terminated his playing contract with the Serie A outfit as he now prepares for the next chapter of his life.
The legendary French defender, 31, is best known for his glittering 10 years with Real Madrid
Varane lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United during his three-year spell at the club
Varane, who came through the youth ranks at Lens, played at the top level for 14 years.
After one season in the first team with the Ligue 1 side, the central defender joined Real Madrid in 2011 aged 18.
He went on to make 360 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey, among several other trophies over a decade.
The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and displayed his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford.
His last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley in May, while he also won the Carabao Cup with the club.
Meanwhile, Varane shone for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph, with the defender racking up 93 caps in total for Les Bleus before he retired from international duty at the age of 29 in February 2023.