“You’re the best” - Real Madrid icon Karim Benzema sends message to Raphael Varane after he announces retirement
Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema sent a message to Raphael Varane after the latter announced his retirement from football. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner reacted to Varane's retirement post on Instagram and wished his ex-teammate well.
Varane on Wednesday (September 25) announced his decision to hang up his boots via a lengthy post on Instagram. The 31-year-old last played for newly-promoted Serie A side Como. He joined the Italian club in the summer as a free agent from Manchester United. However, a knee injury in his first game for the club ruled him out of the season and has now forced him to retire.
A seasoned center-back, the Frenchman became one of the best in his position during his days at Real Madrid. He won many trophies with Los Blancos, most notably three La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League titles.
Upon announcing his retirement, fans and former teammates flooded the comment section to wish Varane the best. Benzema, whom he shared the dressing room for 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, was one of the many well-wishers. The Al-Ittihad forward congratulated Varane on his career and called him 'the best'.
"Bravo my fumier, you're the best," Benzema wrote.
Aside from playing together at club level, both players were also teammates in the French national team. However, unlike the former center-back, Benzema was not part of the France side that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
"One of the greatest centre-backs" - Real Madrid salutes Raphael varane following retirement
The Spanish giants paid tribute to their former player after he announced his retirement, calling him 'one of the greatest centre-backs' in the club's history. Varane spent 10 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning 18 trophies.
In a statement on its website, the club shared its gratitude and admiration for the Frenchman.
"Raphael Varane will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as one of the greatest centre-backs in the history of Real Madrid and for always representing the values of our club," a part of the staement reads.
"Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life," it added.
In 360 games for Los Blancos, Varane scored 17 goals and provided seven assists. He also represented France on 93 occasions, scoring five goals.