Raphaël Varane announces retirement from football at age 31.
Ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star, Raphaël Varane has announced his Retirement from football at the age of 31 after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Serie A side, Como. The former France center-back, who joined the newly promoted club on a two-year deal after leaving Manchester United, was injured during his debut in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria. Given his long-standing fitness issues, Como did not register him for their Serie A squad, and the injury has now ended his illustrious career. In an emotional Instagram statement, Varane shared, “I have fallen and risen a thousand times, but now it’s time to stop.” The 93-cap French international, who retired from international duty in February 2023, leaves the game as a four-time Champions League winner, World Cup champion, and former player of both Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“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”.
Raphael Varane 🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/wONPFlBaj3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2024
Barcelona approaches retired Arsenal goalkeeper to replace injured ter Stegen.
After Marc-André ter Stegen’s season-ending knee injury, Barcelona has reportedly reached out to Wojciech Szczęsny’s agents, CAA Stellar, to explore the possibility of bringing the Polish goalkeeper out of retirement, according to Meczyki. Ter Stegen suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee during a match against Villarreal and underwent successful surgery. Although Barcelona has Iñaki Peña as a backup, the club is exploring free-agent options since the La Liga transfer window is closed. Szczęsny, 34, retired recently after a successful career with Arsenal and Juventus, winning 11 major trophies. He also played in Poland’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. Barcelona would need to persuade Szczęsny to return, as he retired less than a month ago. Other options, including former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, remain on the club’s shortlist.
🔵🔴🇵🇱 Wojciech Szczesny’s agents CAA Stellar have been approached by Barcelona to discuss potential terms.
Szczesny announced his retirement this summer but Barça want to understand his situation, as @wlodar85 reports.
Keylor Navas and one more candidate remain in the list. pic.twitter.com/1nPNr9HGph
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 24, 2024
Christopher Nkunku scores a hattrick as Chelsea thumps Barrow.
Chelsea was in high-flying form as they delivered an emphatic 5-0 victory over Barrow, a League Two side sitting 63 places below Chelsea, in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening. French forward, Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring with an early double, setting the tone for the Blues. A Paul Farman own goal, after a João Felix free-kick, made it 3-0 before halftime. New signing, Pedro Neto added a fourth shortly after the break. Nkunku completed his hat trick in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a Farman error. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca rotated his squad, making 11 changes from the team that beat West Ham 3-0. The competition’s last 32 is spread over two midweeks to accommodate the expanded Champions League and Europa League schedules. Manchester United and Tottenham advanced last week, while Liverpool and Arsenal are set to play on Wednesday, followed by the fourth-round draw.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#CFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/HbVVAxhMSv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 24, 2024
Real Madrid secures a close victory over Alavés on Tuesday night.
Despite a strong start, Real Madrid was lucky to have ended nervously in a tense 3-2 victory over Alavés. For the first 45 minutes, the Vinicius-Mbappé-Rodrygo trio dominated, giving Madrid a commanding 3-0 lead. Lucas Vázquez opened the scoring, finishing off a cutback from Vinicius, before Mbappé added a second following a quick exchange with Jude Bellingham. Rodrygo made it 3-0 shortly after halftime, sliding the ball through the keeper’s legs after beating two defenders. Endrick nearly added a fourth, hitting the post after coming off the bench. However, Alavés fought back with two late goals. Carlos Benavídez curled in the first from outside the box, and Kike García added a second two minutes later, setting up a tense finish. Despite the pressure, Real Madrid’s defense held firm to secure a hard-fought win.
FT: Real Madrid 3-2 Alavés.
IN THE END 3 POINTS FOR REAL MADRID, NEXT UP: ATLÉTICO MADRID (AWAY)! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/iYfsH8PYjW
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 24, 2024
The Aces and Liberty set for a rematch as they face off in the WNBA semifinals.
Last year’s WNBA finalists, the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, are set for a rematch after both teams swept their first-round opponents in the 2024 WNBA playoffs. Sabrina Ionescu tied a Liberty playoff record with 36 points, leading New York to a 91-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream, advancing to the semifinals. Jonquel Jones added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the top-seeded Liberty. Meanwhile, the Aces secured their sixth straight semi finals appearance, defeating the Seattle Storm 83-76 behind 24 points and 13 rebounds from MVP A’ja Wilson and 29 points from Kelsey Plum. The Aces will face the Liberty in a best-of-five series starting Sunday in Brooklyn. Although the Aces won the 2023 Finals, New York dominated this season’s meetings, winning all three regular-season matchups.
THE REMATCH IS ON 🔥
Aces and Liberty will face off in the semifinals with a trip to the WNBA Finals on the line 🍿 pic.twitter.com/yTZzUsGoCO
— ESPN (@espn) September 25, 2024