“Football legend” – Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to former teammate Raphael Varane as latter announces retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Raphael Varane after the latter announced his retirement on Wednesday, September 25. The Frenchman decided to hang his boots after an injury-plagued stint at newly promoted Serie A side Como.
Raphael Varane has played a total of 232 games with Cristiano Ronaldo. They were part of the historic Real Madrid side that won three consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues (from 2015-16 to 2017-18) under coach Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman first arrived at Santiago Bernabeu in 2011 from French side RC Lens. At Los Blancos, he played 360 games, scoring 17 goals and creating seven more across competitions. He also won a host of trophies including four Champions Leagues, four FIFA Club World Cups, and three La Ligas.
Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to comment on Raphael Varane’s post announcing his retirement (via @MadridXtra).
“A great career and a football legend! Congratulation for everything brother hope to see you soon,” wrote the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
After his trophy-laden spell at Santiago Bernabeu and three seasons with Manchester United, Raphael Varane joined Como on a free transfer in July 2024. However, his injury concerns allowed him to play just once for his new club.
Raphael Varane once recalled his first interaction with Cristiano Ronaldo after joining Real Madrid
Valencia v Real Madrid – La Liga Santander – Source: Getty
Raphael Varane once opened up about his initial interaction with Cristiano Ronaldo when he just arrived at Real Madrid from RC Lens back in 2011.
By the time Varane arrived, Cristiano Ronaldo had already spent two seasons at Santiago Bernabeu. In an interview with French channel Canal+ (via GOAL), the French defender was asked whether he actually responded by saying ‘I’m Rapha’ when Ronaldo referred to him as ‘Varane.’ He responded:
“Yes it’s true, I think that on the field there is no need to be shy. I am someone who is quite reserved outside but on the field you have to make your own place and be respected.”
The Frenchman also talked about the judicious use of energy during a game. He explained that one couldn’t use their entire energy reserve in one match when there were matches every three days.
“I had periods where we played Clasico, Champions League, Clasico – in a week you feel like you’ve lived an entire life!” he added.
Varane was rumored to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after his stint at Old Trafford came to an end. However, the Frenchman chose Como and hung his boots just a few months later.
