'One of the greatest' - Real Madrid pay tribute to Raphael Varane upon retirement

Real Madrid have labelled Raphael Varane "one of the greatest centre-backs" in the history of the club following his retirement from football at the age of 31.

Varane left Manchester United as a free agent at the end of last season and joined the intriguing project at Serie A side Como. But, having suffered a knee an injury on his debut, the Frenchman has made the decision to "go out strong, not just holding on to the game".

A recent history of injuries had already started to take a toll, limited the defender to only 95 appearances during his three years in Manchester.

But Varane bows out a modern legend all the same. He won 22 trophies at club and international level over a 14-year professional career that began at Lens. Among them is the 2018 World Cup, as well as 18 he won at Real Madrid – including four Champions League titles.

A heartfelt statement from his former club read: "With Raphael Varane's announcement that he has called time on his career as a professional football player, Real Madrid would like to share its gratitude and admiration for a player who is now part of our club's history.

"In 2011, at just 18 years of age, Raphael Varane signed for Real Madrid and became one of the key players in the historic period that saw the club win four European Cups, three of them in a row, between 2014 and 2018. Over the ten seasons during which he has defended our jersey and our crest, he has won 18 trophies in 360 games: 4 Champions League, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 3 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups.

"As well as the trophies he won with Real Madrid, Raphael Varane won the World Cup with France at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and won the 2021 Nations League in Italy. He also won 1 English League Cup and 1 FA Cup with Manchester United. On an individual level, Raphaël Varane was included in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in 2018 and was also part of the IFFHS Team of the Year, the UEFA Team of the Year and the 2017-2018 Champions League squad of the year.

"Raphael Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest centre-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club."

"Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life."

Varane may no longer be playing but his time with Como is still only just beginning, suggesting a behind the scenes the role there will be confirmed in due course. The club is coached by Cesc Fabregas, with Sergi Roberto, Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno and Patrick Cutrone in the squad.

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP