RAPHAEL Varane has announced that he will leave Manchester United at the end of this season, upon the expiry of his contract.
The 31-year-old Frenchman has spent three seasons at Old Trafford, having joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in August 2021.
The World Cup-winning centre-back was memorably unveiled in front of United home fans at the Theatre of Dreams, before the opening-weekend win over Leeds United.
“I fell in love with the club, with the fans. I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season,” Varane said in a farewell video he shared on social media today.
“And it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”
Manchester United paid glowing tribute to Varane on their official website, highlighting his contributions to their limited success during his time at the club.
“Varane has brought a great deal of class and experience to the team throughout his 93 appearances so far. The Frenchman also helped to win our first major trophy in six years, when lifting the 2023 Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium,” United wrote.
“Newcastle United were shut out in a 2-0 triumph for Erik ten Hag’s men, with Rapha showing all of his experience alongside Lisandro Martinez.
“The 31-year-old has scored twice for the Reds, his first goal coming in a home win over Brentford a couple of years ago. Varane’s second effort earned us three points from our 1-0 victory against Wolves, at the opening of this current 2023/24 campaign.
“However, it is unflappable work at the heart of the defence that Rapha is most recognised for, as he has shown his undoubted quality since joining the club.
“To date, he has made 67 appearances in the Premier League, 58 as a starter.
“Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future.”
Varane has been absent since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on April 4 but he hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign.
The multiple UEFA Champions League winner cost United €40 million from Real Madrid but is leaving as a free agent.
