France World Cup winner Raphael Varane on Tuesday announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.

Confirming the news in an emotional statement Varane said he decided to hang up his boots instead of continuing his fight for fitness.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United center-back Varane had joined Italian club Como for this season but was then excluded from their Serie A squad having suffered a knee injury in August.

The 31-year-old has suffered from a series of issues, particularly with his knee, meaning he only lined up once for Como after joining them on a free transfer in the summer following his departure from Old Trafford. 

Varane, who stepped down from international duty in February 2023, retires as a four-time Champions League winner and has also lifted the World Cup, alongside many other titles. 

The 93-cap France international has also played for two of the biggest clubs in the world Real Madrid and Manchester United.