In a shocking announcement, Raphael Varane, former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, has retired from football at just 31 years old. The French defender cited ongoing knee issues as the reason behind his decision, choosing to step away from the game rather than continue to battle for fitness. Despite this sudden end to his career, Varane expressed immense gratitude for his journey, having won four Champions League titles and a World Cup with France.
Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31
In an unexpected turn of events, former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. The French international made the difficult decision due to ongoing knee issues that have plagued him throughout his career.
Varane's Illustrious Career
Raphael Varane rose to prominence as a young defender for Lens in France. In 2011, he joined Real Madrid, where he spent 10 years and became one of the most decorated players in the club's history. During his time in Spain, Varane won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and several other major trophies.
In 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United on a four-year contract. However, his time at Old Trafford was hampered by injuries, and he struggled to maintain his previous level of performance.
Reason for Retirement
Varane cited persistent knee problems as the primary reason for his retirement. He stated, "I have always given my all on and off the pitch, but I have now reached a point where my body is telling me it's time to stop."
Despite the early end to his career, Varane expressed gratitude for his achievements. "I am incredibly proud of what I have accomplished," he said. "I have won some of the biggest trophies in the world and played with some of the greatest players in history."
Top 5 FAQs
Why did Raphael Varane retire early?
How many Champions League titles did Varane win?
When did Varane join Manchester United?
What is Varane's current age?
Is Raphael Varane the only player to retire early due to injuries?
Arsenal and Liverpool are going head-to-head in the race to sign promising midfielder Hugo Larsson from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt. The 20-year-old has caught the attention of top clubs after a strong start to the new season and is being monitored by Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund as well. However, it is Arsenal and Liverpool who are considered the main contenders for his signature, with both clubs showing strong interest in the young Swedish talent. With Frankfurt deeming him as a key player in their team, the Premier League rivals will have to step up their game to secure Larsson's services.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the upcoming January transfer window. However, the Bundesliga club is unlikely to part ways with the 21-year-old prospect before the summer, as he recently signed a contract extension and has a release clause in his contract that could be triggered in 2025. The Gunners will also have a better understanding of the player's transfer preference, having targeted him in the summer.
With a slim lead at the top of La Liga and their main rival Real Madrid winning their match, FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is taking no chances and will make five changes to his starting line up for their upcoming match against Getafe. Despite concerns about resting some key players, Flick is adamant about starting 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whom he refers to as "the best". The biggest change, however, will see Inaki Pena take over for an injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks. Flick remains confident in Pena's abilities and is not feeling pressured to sign a replacement for the injured captain.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee and could be out for an extended period of time. In response, the team is considering signing Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella as a replacement. Pep Guardiola has personally scouted the Italian midfielder and sees him as a top option to fill the void left by Rodri's absence.
The new 36-team format of the Europa League kicks off tonight with a match between Manchester United and Twente. Fans can expect to see new addition, Ugarte, starting for United and Rashford returning to the team. Don't miss out on the action and join the discussion with #bbcfootball or follow the coverage through WhatsApp or text. Plus, don't forget to test your Europa League knowledge with our quiz. And, while you're at it, stay updated on the Carabao Cup matches tonight between Arsenal and Bolton and Liverpool and West Ham.
After former French national team defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, fellow footballer Cristiano Ronaldo shared his thoughts on social media. Varane, who was a 2018 World Cup winner with les Bleus, had played for clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Como. With Real Madrid, he won multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies.
A young Arsenal side, featuring academy players and a sprinkling of experience, secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup. Goalkeeper Jack Porter made his first start for the club in the absence of the injured David Raya, while academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri, Josh Nichols, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all impressed in the starting eleven. The future looks bright for Arsenal with these promising youngsters stepping up in their Carabao Cup campaign.
In a crucial game against Bournemouth, Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot gave a clear message to Darwin Nunez on what he needed to improve to secure a spot as the preferred option over Diogo Jota. Nunez seemed to have taken his coach's words to heart as he produced a wonder strike from an impossible angle, showcasing the lightning-fast counter attacks that have become a hallmark of Slot's team. Nunez's performance not only pleased his coach, but also reminded fans of his immense potential and why he is highly regarded by many.
Barcelona, boosted by the arrival of new manager Hansi Flick, will take on Getafe in a midweek LaLiga clash. The Catalan giants will rely on the in-form Brazilian forward Raphinha, who has been making headlines with his impressive performances since Flick took over. Getafe, meanwhile, will look to their solid defender Omar to keep out Barcelona's star-studded attack. With both teams battling for crucial points, this is a must-watch game for football fans.
Manchester United is determined to bounce back from their previous draw with Crystal Palace and kick off their Europa League campaign with a win against Dutch club FC Twente. With three clean sheets in a row, United has shown promising performances since the international break and will be relying on generational talents Garnacho and Mainoo for a successful game. However, United's manager Erik ten Hag, who started his career with Twente, may not make as many changes as last week's match in order to secure a win against their top-four rivals.