Raphael Varane reveals the two clubs that he would be willing to leave Man United for, as France defender hints at a possible return to Real Madrid… but admits it is a ‘likely outcome’ that he retires at Old Trafford
- Raphael Varane has been a mainstay in the Manchester United team this year
- However, the France international has revealed two clubs he could join in future
- The 29-year-old hinted at a return to Real Madrid or French side RC Lens
Raphael Varane has revealed the two clubs that he could potentially leave Manchester United for in the future.
The French defender has been an integral figure within Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side this season, after having a turbulent spell in his first season in England.
His Premier League appearances have helped solidify a position within the top four and played the full 90 minutes for their 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle.
The World Cup winner looks to have finally settled at Old Trafford but that could potentially be changing after Varane admitted that he may look to retire elsewhere.
Speaking to GQ Magazine, Varane said: ‘I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens. I will not move to another club [other than those].
Raphael Varane has made 56 appearances in all competitions since joining Man United in 2021
The French international has hinted at a possible return to Spanish giants Real Madrid
‘But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don’t usually go back there. The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my club career] in either Manchester or Lens.’
Varane secured a £42million move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in July 2021, having spent 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The French defender had a glittering career in Spain and won LaLiga three times, the Champions League four times and the Club World Cup four times.
Prior to that, he had come through the academy at French side RC Lens and spent one year their playing in their first-team before moving to Madrid in 2011.
He’s made 56 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils and admitted, in the same interview, that he’s been feeling the impact from recent fixture congestion.
‘Recent seasons have always finished later and started earlier. We didn’t have time to work physically and when we weren’t playing we only had time for recovery.
‘You can do this for a few seasons but after a while you either crash, or you are unrecognisable [from the player you were] for six months or a year in the field, or you get injured. That’s what happens to all great players and that’s what I want to avoid.’
Varane made similar admissions last month when he called an end to his international career, which France boss Didier Deschamps admitted he disappointed by.
The 29-year-old defender confirmed his retirement from international football last month
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