Real Madrid defensive hero ends career after recent injury at the age of 31

Former Real Madrid, Manchester United and RC Lens centre-back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement after a glittering career at just 31 years old. The Frenchman joined Como on a free transfer this summer after leaving Old Trafford but has decided to end his career following his recent injury.

Varane broke through as a teenage starlet at Lens and was quickly snapped up by Real Madrid, where he signed in 2011. He spent the next decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey. In total, he won 18 trophies in the white shirt, making 360 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 7 assists.

Real Madrid fans will remember him fondly as a rock-solid partnership with Sergio Ramos, providing unrivalled pace in defence and a calm presence alongside the Sevillano over many years.

In total, Varane made 573 appearances, including 93 for France, which led to the 2018 World Cup. He was also part of the national team's victory in the 2021 Nations League.

He announced his decision on Instagram on Wednesday morning, explaining that he emphatically wanted to quit and not hold on to his career. He stressed that it took courage to listen to his instincts and suggested that the desire to do so was no longer there.

Varane also said that he has no regrets and would not change anything about his career, but it is time for something new. He announced that he will remain in the Italian team in a supporting role.