Gareth Bale sends 8-word message after ex-Real Madrid teammate Raphael Varane announces retirement

Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has hung up his boots after suffering a long-term injury following his move to Italian club Como. Messages of support poured in for the iconic defender, with his former Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, also sharing a heartfelt tribute to Varane’s distinguished career.

Varane was a key figure in Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph just last season, where they defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the final. He later joined Cesc Fabregas’ newly promoted Como on a free transfer, but a knee injury was expected to keep him sidelined for the entire season. Due to the recurring nature of his injuries, the Frenchman, despite being just 31, decided to retire rather than attempt another recovery.

Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane shared a successful chapter of their careers at Real Madrid. Varane joined Los Blancos in 2011, with Bale arriving two seasons later. The pair played together 171 times and won 13 trophies, including two La Liga titles and four Champions League titles, during their time in Spain.

After a decade in Madrid, Varane moved to Manchester United in 2021, with the English club signing him for a reported £40 million fee. Bale, who also struggled with injuries in the latter part of his career, left Real Madrid in 2022 for Los Angeles FC before retiring in 2023.

In a post on Instagram, Bale congratulated Varane on a fantastic career, expressing his mutual respect for the French World Cup-winning defender.

"Congrats on an amazing career. Happy retirement legend!" he commented.

Varane has certainly struggled with numerous injuries in recent times, which led to him missing over 50 games for Manchester United since his arrival in 2021.

He made only one appearance for Como in the Coppa Italia before sustaining the injury, and due to its severity, the Italian club chose not to register him for their Serie A squad. Shortly after, the Frenchman announced his retirement.

Former Real Madrid defender Rapahel Varane pens heartfelt message following retirement

Varane’s career is undoubtedly one of the most illustrious, as he has won nearly every major honor, particularly during his time with Real Madrid.

After impressing with Lens at just 17, the Frenchman moved to Real Madrid the following season and became a regular starter by the age of 20. Overall, Varane made 360 appearances for Los Blancos, winning more than 15 trophies during his 10-year tenure.

His move to Manchester United also brought success, where he won two trophies - the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. After announcing his retirement, Varane shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his journey and achievements.

“They say all good things must come to an end. In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love," Varane wrote.

Varane was also a crucial part of the French team that won the 2018 World Cup and the UEFA Nations League in 2021. He earned 93 caps for the France national team, scoring five goals, with his final appearance coming during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.