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On September 25, 2024, former Real Madrid hero Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football. Footballers from around the globe wished him luck and shared special messages on social media to commemorate Varane's contribution to the sport. One of them was Alexandre Coeff, who is currently playing in India.
French defender Coeff, who is also a notable option as a defensive midfielder, plies his trade for the Kerala Blasters. He is the Indian Super League outfit's new foreign acquisition this season.
The 32-year-old commented on Raphael Varane's Instagram post:
"All the best bro, you've finished the game."
What's the connection between Alexandre Coeff and Raphael Varane?
Alexandre Coeff was a part of RC Lens' youth setup, from where Varane rose to prominence before signing for Real Madrid. In 2009, Coeff got promoted to the RC Lens B side, before making his way to the senior team in 2011.
Varane, on the other hand, is just a year younger than Coeff and got to play for the RC Lens senior side in 2010, before being scouted by Real Madrid in 2011. During their stay at the youth setup, Varane and Coeff shared the dressing room. However, there is no proof to claim that they played together on the pitch for the club.
Varane, at just 31, has called it a day from the sport. After spending 10 seasons at Real Madrid, the French defender decided to take on a new challenge in his career and signed for Manchester United.
However, frequent injuries meant he had to remain sidelined for quite some time during his spell in the Premier League. Across three seasons, he made 95 appearances for United and was a part of the FA Cup and League Cup-winning squads.
Varane's prime time was at Real Madrid, where he won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and four UEFA Super Cup titles, among other honors. In 2018, he also played a vital role in securing France's second FIFA World Cup.
