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

Varane broke through as a teenage star at Lens and was quickly recruited by Real Madrid, who he joined in 2011. He would spend the next decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning the Champions League four times, La Liga three times and the Copa del Rey once. In total, he won 18 trophies in a white shirt, with 360 appearances, 17 goals and 7 assists.

Real Madrid fans will remember him fondly for his inimitable partnership with Sergio Ramos, providing unrivalled pace at the back for years and a calm presence alongside the Sevillano.

In total, Varane would make 573 appearances, including 93 caps for France, leading to a World Cup in 2018. He would also be part of their Nations League triumph in 2021.

He announced his decision on Instagram on Wednesday morning, explaining that he would rather start hard than hold on to his career. He also emphasized that it took courage to listen to his instincts, suggesting that he no longer has that desire.

Varane also noted that he had no regrets and would not change anything about his career, but that it was time to do something new. He revealed that he would remain with the Italian side in a non-playing role.