Inter Miami failed to make a blockbuster signing this summer, though there were some strong links with the likes of Raphael Varane.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender became a free-agent after leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season, with Inter Miami linked with a move for Varane as Tata Martino looked to bring in a world-class center-back to his ranks.
As we know, though, newly-promoted Serie A side Como 1907 won the race for Varane, with the defender opting to join Cesc Fabregas’ side along with other high-profile names such as Andrea Belotti, Pepe Reina, and fellow Inter Miami target Sergi Roberto.
Yet Varane has now made a surprising career move.
Varane announces retirement after suffering major injury
In an emotional post on Instagram, Varane announced his surprise retirement from soccer at the age of just 31, with the former Inter Miami target stepping away from the game having suffered a major injury whilst at Como.
As per Varane’s statement, the now former French defender plans to remain at Como in an off-the-field role, with the defender likely to take up a coaching or advisor role in the Serie A side’s first year back in the top-flight.
Indeed, Varane’s decision to retire from soccer at 31 is a sad day for the sport given how successful the former Madrid and United star was, with the defender a FIFA World Cup champion with France as well as a four-time UEFA Champions League winner.
And for Inter Miami, there will still be a tinge of frustration that they never managed to bring Varane to Florida this summer, even though retirement is something the defender seemingly had on his mind for some time.
Varane will go down as a modern-day legend in soccer
Even though Varane’s career could have lasted another few years had he fully recovered from this latest injury, there’s no question that the defender will go down as a modern-day great in soccer.
The 31-year-old won everything every player dreams of winning in the sport from the World Cup to the Champions League to multiple league titles, as well as a handful of domestic honors.
And although Varane never ended up in MLS with Inter Miami, many fans of the Herons will respect what the defender has done in the game, with the Frenchman a legend of soccer even when retiring so young.