He decide to call it quit at 31 after sustaining a long time injury in his first appearance for his new team yesterday against Atalanta in Bergamo as Fabregas secure his first Serie A win as manager.
But having made just one appearance for his new team, he is now hanging up his boots.
In a statement on social media, he wrote: “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 fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”
Varane recently suffered a severe knee injury and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad as a result.
The injury prompted his decision to retire.
However, the World Cup winner has confirmed that he will remain at the club in some capacity.
Varane spent three years at Man Utd after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid.
During that time he made 95 first team appearances and scored two goals.
The most successful period of his career came with Los Blancos in Spain.
Varane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the club.
He also won three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
The centre-back retired from international duty back in February 2023 having been capped 93 times by the French national team.
He said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
“Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride.
“The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.
“I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.”
Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
He shared this news via his social media handles.
Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.
As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.
Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.
In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.
Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.
According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.
The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.
Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.
