COMO, Italy – Former French national team and Real Madrid center-back Raphael Varane announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that included a World Cup title and a large number of club trophies.

Varane, 31, signed for Serie A newcomers Como in July but injured his knee in his only appearance for the club – an Italian Cup match against Sampdoria last month.

“In my career I have accepted many challenges, faced every challenge, almost all of them should have been impossible,” Varane wrote on Instagram. “When I reflect on those moments I feel very proud and fulfilled, as if I were announcing my retirement from the game we all love.”

Varane was arguably the tournament's standout defender as France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he scored the most important of his five international goals with a header against Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

Varane was an elegant defender with a lot of ball play and excellent positional sense thanks to his quick reading of the game. Together with Samuel Umtiti, he formed a solid central defender duo in this tournament.

He also helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league titles.

He moved to Manchester United in 2021, but only made 95 appearances in his three seasons in England – mainly due to injuries.

Varane began his career at Lens.

“From Lens to Madrid to Manchester and then playing for our national team. I defended each badge with everything I have and enjoyed every minute of the journey,” said Varane. “I don't regret anything, I wouldn't change anything. I've won more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Varane had already retired from the French national team a few months after the defeat in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. During this game, his 93rd for Les Bleus since his debut in 2013, he fell to the ground exhausted deep in extra time.

Over the years, under coach Didier Deschamps, he became one of the most important leaders of the French national team alongside goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Antoine Griezmann.

“Knowing him, I know that this decision, which is always difficult to make, was made after careful consideration,” said Deschamps. “It is therefore the right decision and one that we must respect. Speed, vision, technique, mental strength – Raphaël had all the right qualities to have his great career.”

Varane has played a total of 22 games in major tournaments.

“I will remember a player who focused on others and on the team. He had a perfect relationship with captain Hugo Lloris,” said Deschamps. “In the national team and wherever he went, he always left the impression of a great professional.”

Varane said he would stay in Como: “Just without using my boots and shin pads. I look forward to telling you more about it soon.”

Como claimed its first Serie A victory in more than 21 years as Cesc Fabregas's side beat Atalanta 3-2 on Tuesday. ___

AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer