Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Raphael Varane after major retirement announcement, pays tribute

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Raphael Varane’s football career is over. The Frenchman has announced his retirement, 14 years after making his debut for Lens.

After speculation, Raphael Varane confirmed he has taken the decision to retire from football, following an injury for new side Como.

Varane played only one game for the Italians, and he has elected to now quit football at the age of 31.

It is a great shame, with Varane showing a few months ago he was still a class act with a bittersweet performance as he shut Erling Haaland down in the FA Cup Final.

Ronaldo tribute to Varane

Raphael Varane’s peak years came at Real Madrid, with the defender signing for Manchester United in 2021.

Varane won four Champions League titles at Real, linking up with former Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo during his best years.

The pair were reunited in 2021 when Varane’s move to United was followed, and overshadowed, by Ronaldo also signing with the Red Devils weeks later in a move which shocked football.

While their reunion at Old Trafford was not the stirring success Manchester United fans hoped it might be, the pair got to see once again how valuable each other are.

Ronaldo often keeps himself to himself on social media since his move to Al-Nassr, but he made an exception to pay tribute to Varane.

Replying to Varane on Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “A great career and a football legend! Congratulations for everything brother hope to see you soon.”

Marcelo, Karim Benzema and Raul were among Ronaldo and Varane’s former Real Madrid teammates to reach out.

• READ: Raphael Varane’s top five Manchester United performances as defender retires

Varane injury record overshadowed enduring quality at United

Nobody at Manchester United disputed the quality Raphael Varane had to offer Manchester United.

The issue was Varane’s ongoing injury problems which Manchester United could eventually not square off with his wages.

There was some disappointment when Varane’s contract was not renewed, yet it was anticipated that it was the sensible move.

Varane’s swift retirement serves to underline, how United made the right call, but that should not detract from a glittering career which included a World Cup win with France in 2018.