Varane: Former Real Madrid and Man Utd star retires after two months in Como

Como's central defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football just two months after joining Cesc Fabregas' team.

The former French international announced his retirement from football with an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.

He moved to Como on a free transfer at the end of July, but suffered an injury just 23 minutes into his competitive debut with the Azzurri in the Coppa Italia.

“They say all good things must come to an end,” Varane wrote on Wednesday morning.

“In my career I have accepted many challenges and faced one challenge after another when almost everything seemed impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. When I think back to these moments, it is with pride and a sense of fulfillment that I announce my retirement from the game we all love.

“I set the highest standards for myself. I want to perform well, not just hang 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 got up a thousand times and this time the time has come to stop and hang up my boots because my last game will be to win a trophy at Wembley.

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the fans of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid, Manchester and for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have and enjoyed every minute of this journey. Playing at the highest level is an exhilarating experience. It challenges the body and mind to every level. The emotions we experience cannot be found anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied and we never accept success. It is in our nature and it is what drives us.

“I don't regret anything, I wouldn't change anything. I've won more than I ever dreamed of, but beyond the awards and trophies, I'm proud that no matter what, I've stayed true to my principles of honesty and tried to leave everything better than I found it. I hope I've made you all proud.

“And so begins a new life off the pitch. I will stay at Como. But without my boots and shin pads. I look forward to telling you more about it soon.

“Now I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the fans of all the clubs I have played for, my teammates, coaches and staff for making this journey so special, more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams.

“Thanks, football.”

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