Ex-Real Madrid & Man Utd defender Varane retires aged 31

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane has retired from football at the age of 31.

Varane joined Italian side Como on a free transfer in July but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month.

The centre-back says he will stay at the club in a non-playing role.

"I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game," he wrote on Instagram. "It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct."

Varane began his career at French side Lens but spent just one season in the first team before joining Real Madrid in 2011.

He enjoyed a glittering 10-year career in the Spanish capital, winning 18 trophies - including three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The defender moved to Old Trafford in the summer 2021 for an initial £34m, going on to make 95 appearances in all competitions.

He won the Carabao Cup in 2022 and his final appearance for the club was an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City at Wembley in May.