RAPHAEL VARANE has already confirmed his new job after retiring from football at the age of just 31.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United centre-back announced on Wednesday he was hanging up his boots just two months after joining Serie A side Como on a free transfer.

PA

He suffered an injury after making his debut for the Italian club and swiftly decided to call it a day.

And in his emotional retirement statement he revealed he will remain at Como in a yet unspecified position.

He said: “And so, a new life begins off the pitch.

“I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”

Varane could become a part of Como’s coaching staff – which is led by manager Cesc Fabregas following his appointment in the summer.

Last season, the club were promoted for the third time in five years as they reached the top flight after more than two decades away.

They picked up their first win of the campaign in a 3-2 victory away at Atalanta on Tuesday.

And Varane’s experience could be a valuable asset to Fabregas’ side.

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He made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the Spanish giants, winning three LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Varane joined Man Utd for £42million in 2021 as a World Cup winner having triumphed with France in 2018.

The defender, who earned 93 caps for his country, played 95 games for the Red Devils, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

His full retirement statement read: “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.

“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.

“Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey.

“The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.

“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

“And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

“And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

“Thank you, football. With love, Rapha.”

ARSENAL fans had it in their head that they would be welcoming Leicester to the Emirates without Leandro Trossard – but that is not the case!

The Gunners forward was controversially sent off after picking up two yellow cards in a frenetic clash against Manchester City last weekend.

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Leandro Trossard was sent off in the crunch clash against Man City[/caption]

And in normal procedures, Trossard would be suspended for the next Premier League match.

However, the Belgian is part of the squad for Arsenal‘s home fixture due to a little loophole.

SunSport can explain what that is below.

Why is Leandro Trossard not suspended against Leicester?

Leandro Trossard is eligible to play for Arsenal against Leicester as he would have already served his suspension for the Gunners’ midweek Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.

Rules state that suspensions from a two-yellow card dismissal can be carried into the next match across all domestic competitions.

Trossard became the second Arsenal player to see red in the past three games – the other being Declan Rice against Brighton.

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Declan Rice was sent off for a similar incident just weeks before[/caption]

Why did Leandro Trossard get a red card?

The Belgian was initially booked for a tug on Manchester City star Savinho‘s shirt.

And then Trossard was sent for an early bath after barging Bernardo Silva in the back before delaying the restart by kicking the ball away.

Arsenal were forced to play the entire second half with a man less and finally conceded a dramatic late equaliser in stoppage time.

John Stones bundled the ball over the line in the 98th minute to rescue a point for the champions.

What has been said?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision that saw Trossard receive a red card.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: “We were more efficient and went 2-1 up and then there were two incidents, very similar, one in particular, but had a very different outcome which then forces you to have a game which nobody wants to watch.

“I think it’s very clear. Very obvious. Hopefully what 100 per cent of what people thinks.

“It’s not my job to come here and judge what happened. My job is to survive in the most difficult environment you can throw in football for 55 minutes.

“And try to get things done to survive. That’s my job, the rest is not my job.

“It’s already the second time it has happened in five games, which is really, really worrying if we want to see the best Premier League.”

Arteta added: “Anyone that has played football or any sport [can see] it’s less than a second. Less than a second. The previous one [Doku] is more than a second. That’s it, simple.”

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