Raphael Varane said stop, but stays in Italy: the Frenchman is ready for a new adventure
Raphael Varane says goodbye to soccer played
With a long message posted on his social profiles, Raphael Varane confirmed the news in the air for several days, that of his retirement from playing soccer. His last match thus remains the one between Como and Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia in August, a match from which he had had to leave due to injury. Varane confirmed that he will remain with the Como side, but in a different role.
"They say all good things must come to an end,‖ began the former, among others, of Real Madrid and Manchester United.”
In my career I have faced many challenges, almost everything I did seemed impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, with immense pride and knowledge that I accomplished what I wanted, I announce my retirement from the game we all love".
"I want to leave the scene with my head held high,” he added. “It takes a lot of courage to listen to one’s heart and instincts. Desires and needs are two different things. I have fallen and gotten back up a thousand times, but this time è the time to stop and hang up my boots, with my last game (he refers to last May’s FA Cup final, the last one played in its entirety, in which Manchester United beat Manchester City, ed.) leading to me winning a trophy at Wembley".
"It's been great to fight for myself, for my clubs, for my country, for my teammates, and for the fans of every club I played for,” the 2018 World Champion explained further. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and then the national team. I defended each jersey with everything I had, I loved every minute of this journey. Playing at the highest level è an exciting experience. You test every part of your body and mind. The emotions we feel cannot be found anywhere else. But as athletes we are never satisfied, we always want a new success, è our nature and è what fuels us".
"I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he wrote again. “I have won more than I could have ever dreamed of, but beyond the awards and trophies, I am proud of the fact that no matter what happened, I stayed true to my principles. I hope I have made all of you proud".
Finally, a hint of his next adventure, just where he ended his football career: "And soì begins a new life off the field. He will remain with Como. Only this time he won't be using boots and shin guards. I look forward to sharing more details soon. For now, to the fans of every club I have played for, my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, soccer. Love, Rapha".
