Raphael Varane is enjoying a stunning second season at Manchester United, with the arrival of Lisandro Martinez helping the Frenchman turn his fortunes around at Old Trafford.
Varane’s first campaign at the club was plagued by injuries but after spending the summer taking part in an individual training programme, his fitness has improved and he’s now one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s teamsheet.
Varane was also central in France’s run to the World Cup final in Qatar last year but France failed in their bid to become back-to-back champions, losing the highly dramatic final to Argentina on penalties.
Shortly after the tournament ended, Varane revealed that he would be putting an end to his long and illustrious career with the French national team, a decision he has discussed recently.
Despite being just 29 years old, Varane has also discussed his full retirement from football, insisting he is likely to retire at one of three clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid or his boyhood club Lens.
“There won’t be another team,” Varane told French GQ, via Marca.
“I will finish my career at Real Madrid, Manchester United or Lens. Real Madrid seems complicated, because they does not usually allow a return. I don’t mean to rush, but the closer you get to 30, the more you think about it.”
Varane certainly has several more years in the tank and hopefully, he can continue to perform at this level for the remainder of his stay in Manchester.
His danger is not in any immediate threat at United but there are still question marks over his fitness. If his retirement from international duty turns out to be the catalyst for change in that respect, United will be benefitting greatly.
Varane spent over a decade at Real Madrid and it’s easy to understand why he could envisage himself retiring there, whilst a return to his boyhood club is as romantic as it gets.
