Raphael Varane aims subtle dig at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag over Man Utd plan
Raphael Varane arrived at Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2021 with a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world but struggled with injuries for most of his three years at Old Trafford
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorRaphael Varane has aimed a subtle dig at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag by claiming that the project at Manchester United wasn't for him.
Varane arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2021 with a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world but struggled with injuries for most of his three years at United before moving to Como this summer and quickly being forced to retire.
Even though he won two trophies during his time as a Red Devil, Varane has expressed some regret over the switch to England.
Speaking to L'Equipe, he said: "At the start of my last season at Manchester United, I was already telling myself that I would have liked to finish there, to extend the adventure [there] a little further. It didn't happen and the summer was very eventful.
"With United, I finished with a victory in the FA Cup , but I already knew that the club's project didn't suit me."
He instead said he found something "special" with Como - but admitted he knew his career was over after sustaining a new injury in August, resulting in the Frenchman hanging up his boots aged 31.
"After the pre-season, the family was supposed to follow me to Italy, but when I got injured on August 11, I knew right away that it was over. I was sure of myself, because I had anticipated it."
Varane, who is set to continue at Como in an undisclosed role, has shed light on his injury problems, saying he "played for 11 years with one knee" and claiming he "hasn't tackled for years".
“So if my left knee was telling me it had had enough, I had to listen,” he told L’Equipe. “Since the age of 20, I have played with the sword of Damocles hanging above my right knee. How did I play for 11 years with one knee? With a lot of effort, sacrifices, care and learning to manage a new balance.
“Psychologically, when I entered the pitch, I couldn’t say to the others, or even myself, that I had only one knee. In fact, if you only looked at the knee, you would worry. I knew I could get hurt, break my knee, but we all live with risk.
"I haven’t tackled for years. I wait for the right moment to make an impact in a duel, when to stop, accelerate or start my run before an attacker. I wouldn’t have mastered my position as much without this knee."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.