Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane retires from football aged 31.

After sustaining a knee injury on his debut with the Italian club Como, star player Raphael Varane has decided to retire from sport.

The 31-year-old central defender signed a free agent contract with Serie A this summer after leaving Manchester United, although he only made 20 appearances for the team in a Coppa Italia encounter before being replaced.

After making 95 appearances over three seasons for the team, the former France international and 2018 World Cup winner left United at the end of his contract this summer.

Varane, who is well-known for his ten seasons of 360 appearances with Real Madrid, inked a two-year contract with Como that included a one-year option.

After moving to United from Madrid in the summer of 2021, the defender assisted the team in winning the FA Cup the following year as well as the Carabao Cup in 2022–2023 season.

Varane stated he had “no regrets” about his career and that “all good things must come to an end” in a social media post on Wednesday, September 25.

“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” he wrote on Instagram. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”

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,” he said.

“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.”

On his future plans, Varane added: “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.”

He began his career at Lens in France before joining Madrid in 2011, where he won 18 trophies including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Varane also enjoyed a distinguished international career, winning the World Cup with France in 2018 and the Nations League three years later while being capped 93 times.