Raphael Varane Reveals Why He Left Real Madrid and Joined Manchester United

Raphael Varane has stated that he was certain he wanted to leave Real Madrid this summer. Varane joined Manchester United on a very cheap move this summer after his contract with Los Blancos was allowed to expire.

Real Madrid was obliged to sell after learning that Varane would not be extending his contract. And the centre-back has now spoken out about his decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, explaining that deciding which club to join was the most difficult part of the process, despite having previously decided to leave the Spanish capital following a brilliant decade.

About the French Footballer

Raphael Xavier Varane is a French professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for Manchester United in the Premier League and the France national team.

He formerly played for French club Lens and began practising with the senior team ahead of the 2010–11 season, appearing on the bench in several league matches. He made his professional debut in 2010 at the age of 17 and joined Real Madrid following one season as a professional footballer.

Joining the New Team

In United’s pre-match press conference ahead of their game with Villarreal, he said that “It was a long thought process. It wasn’t an overnight decision,” he said.

“I wanted to leave Real Madrid, for sure but I wanted to leave on good terms. “

“I wanted to try myself out and get different experiences and emotions at another club.”

“I just wanted something different. I knew the Premier League was a top league and I have seen that for myself now, but it was just about deciding with calmness.”

Varane had an incredible career at Real Madrid, winning three La Liga crowns and four Champions Leagues among other accolades.

But achieving similar success at United, which hasn’t won a trophy since 2017, will be a more difficult assignment. Varane faces a difficult task at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side having won just one of their past four matches and losing their Champions League opener against Young Boys.