Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate send classy message to Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football this week at the age of 31.

The Frenchman has drawn the curtain on a remarkable career as injuries took their toll on the Real Madrid legend.

In a heartfelt Instagram message, Varane announced the end of his career and thanked his former clubs, teammates, and fans for supporting him as he achieved his dreams. Varane was congratulated by many of his previous teammates, including a large number of his old United teammates, on his remarkable career.

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Many big footballing names from across the globe took to Varane’s comments section to pay their respects to his career.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was among the star names to acknowledge the 31-year-old’s career.

The Dutchman evidently has a lot of respect for Varane who departed Manchester United this summer after 95 outings for the club.

He signed for Italian side Como but after suffering a serious knee injury, he’s called time on his glittering career.

Varane's Como stint cut short

The former Real Madrid and France great was taken off Como's squad list for the league season after sustaining a serious knee injury on his debut during a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria.

The World Cup-winning centre back made the decision to draw the curtain on his playing career after battling a number of injury issues while playing at Old Trafford.

Varane’s best years came at Madrid where he got his hands on the UEFA Champions League four times, beating Van Dijk’s Liverpool during the 2017/18 campaign.

Van Dijk and Konate commemorate Varane’s career

Old adversaries of Varane were mixed in with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba to comment on the Frenchman’s Instagram post.

Van Dijk commented a clapping hands emoji whilst Ibrahima Konate also paid his respects to Varane’s admirable career.

Konate also commented clapping hands alongside multiple red heart emojis.

Liverpool’s number five had partnered Varane at the heart of France’s defence in recent years.