Man Utd send Varane heartwarming retirement message

Robin Bairner

• 25 Sept 2024 10:10 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have sent a message of thanks to Raphael Varane following the decision of the former Red Devil to hang up his boots.

Varane has made the call to retire after suffering a string of injuries, which continued when he was making his debut for Cesc Fabregas’ Como on the opening weekend of the season.

Playing against Serie B side Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia, the World Cup winner failed to last even one half of action before being replaced – and this proved to be his final outing on a professional football field.

On their social channels, Man Utd paid tribute to the 31-year-old, who also represented Lens and Real Madrid during an illustrious career.

“To Raphael Varane,

You represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford.

We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture.

Once a Red, always a Red.

Yours,

Man Utd ❤️”

Varane at Man Utd

Varane made 95 appearances for the Red Devils over the course of his three-year stay at the club, yet he departed on a free transfer last summer with the sense that the Old Trafford side never got to see him at his best following a €40 million move from Real Madrid in 2021.

He was plagued by injuries throughout his stay at the club, rarely getting the type of run of games required to get him to his very best level.

Varane made a maximum of 24 Premier League outings in a single season with Man Utd and played his final game for the club in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, having missed much of the previous six weeks due to injury.