Ex-Manchester United star Varane considers retirement at 31 after suffering serious injury

Raphael Varane playing for Manchester United | Imago

Ex-Manchester United star Varane considers retirement at 31 after suffering serious injury

Ayoola Kelechi 23:53 - 24.09.2024

The French World Cup winner could be forced to call time on his career prematurely

Raphael Varane’s first game for Como ended in disaster as the French defender sustained a serious injury just 23 minutes into his debut.

The French star, who only recently joined the Serie A side after leaving Manchester United, is now considering retirement after the severity of his injury became clear.

Varane injured on Como debut

After joining Como on a two-year deal following the expiration of his Manchester United contract, Varane made his debut in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria.

Varane suffered an njury on his Como debut | Imago
Varane suffered an njury on his Como debut | Imago Varane suffered an njury on his Como debut | Imago

However, the World Cup winner's debut was short-lived as he was forced off the pitch after just 23 minutes due to discomfort in his knee.

Varane was seen applying ice to his knee after returning to the dugout, and following medical evaluations, the defender was removed from Como's Serie A squad for the season.

A distraught Raphael Varane of Manchester United, as he goes off injured on October 22, 2022.

This injury was the latest in a number of setbacks for Varane, who endured an injury-riddled 2023/24 season at Manchester United, featuring in just 32 matches across all competitions.

Retirement on the horizon for Varane

Varane’s current injury raises concerns about his future in professional football as reports now suggest that the former Real Madrid star is considering calling time on his career somewhat prematurely.

Former France international Raphael Varane crouching in pain || Image credit: Imago

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Varane is considering retiring from football due to the serious nature of his injury.

The journalist revealed reports from French outlet Le Parisien on X, saying, “After his recent serious injury, Raphael Varane is considering to retire from professional football. He’s about to terminate his contract at Como, as Le Parisies reports.”

At just 31 years old, Varane's potential early retirement would mark the end of an illustrious career, which saw him win multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a World Cup with France.