The English adventure will end for Raphaël Varane. The 2018 World Champion will leave Manchester United this summer. The announcement was made this Tuesday by the club via a press release: “Thank you Raphaël Varane.” Arriving during the 2021 summer transfer window, the Frenchman suffered a series of physical problems. The 31-year-old, retired from the selection since the 2022 World Cup final lost against Argentina, will have played three seasons at Old Trafford, after a triumphant decade at Real Madrid (2011-2021).
“I fell in love with the club, the supporters. You have to play for Man United to understand what it means,” he described in a video posted on his social networks. “It will be a special place for me for life.”
Multi-titled with Real Madrid (four titles in the Champions League and three in La Liga among others), the Frenchman joined the “Red Devils” in August 2021 after a transfer estimated at 40 million euros. In England, he only won the League Cup during a 2022-2023 season where he guided the Mancunian defense as a starter alongside Lisandro Martinez.
He has been used much less this year by coach Erik ten Hag, due to competition with Harry Maguire or injuries. The central defender has not played since April 4 due to a muscular problem. In total, he played 67 matches in the Premier League, including 58 as a starter, according to figures communicated by Manchester United on Tuesday.
His return is hoped for by the end of the season, and in particular for the FA Cup final on May 25 against Manchester City at Wembley.
