“Damn dust in the eye” : just a few minutes after announcing his retirement from sport, this Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Raphaël Varane has already received numerous tributes on social networks.
Konaté, Digne, Thauvin… In addition to the message from the French football team on its X account (formerly Twitter), former teammates in the Blues of the 2018 world champion have already shown their respect for the career of the central defender. This is particularly the case of Paul Pogba. Also from the 1993 generation, the midfielder played with the former Lens player from the French youth teams. “What a pleasure to have shared these moments with you!”he commented on Instagram.
READ ALSO. An early retirement that sadly echoes the infernal pace in football…
“A monster, an example”
The same story comes from Rio Mavuba, who played with the French international (93 caps, 3 goals) during his first major international competition, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil: “Congratulations on your immense career Rafa. A monster, an example. Always humble. Enjoy your family and your new life.”
Associated for many years in club and in selection, the Ballon d’Or 2023 Karim Benzema also congratulated Varane with these words: “Well done my bastard, you’re the best”.
Raphael Varane also received many messages from former club teammates, such as Nacho Fernandez and Isco (“Little Raph, you’re huge!”) during his time at Real Madrid (from 2011 to 2021) or Nemanja Matic (“Happy retirement my friend. It was a pleasure playing with you!”)Harry Maguire and Bruno Fenandes (“It was a pleasure for all of us!”) after three seasons at Manchester United (from 2021 to 2024).
His central hinge partner in the Spanish capital, Sergio Ramos, has notably witnessed Varane’s passage during his ten years spent in the White House: “So many memories, so many battles together, so many good times. On the field, we had a natural understanding with each other. All the best my friend!” For many, like Thibaut Courtois, the four-time Champions League winner is simply “a legend”.
Several teams he played for also sent him a message, such as his last club Como (Italian first division) or Manchester United, which states: “You represented our colours with distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford. We thank you for your humility, your leadership and your commitment. Once a Red, always a Red.”
And Real Madrid concluded in a press release: “Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and affection to a player who is already part of the club’s legend, as one of its great central defenders.”
