Raphael Varane Reflects on Manchester United Transfer: Why He Swapped Real Madrid for Old Trafford
- Raphael Varane departed Real Madrid to join Manchester United in 2021.
- The defender has disclosed his motivations behind the transfer and affirms he harbors ‘no regrets’.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has revealed the reasons behind his decision to leave Real Madrid and make the switch to Old Trafford in 2021.
Varane enjoyed a period of sustained success during his ten years at Real Madrid, securing three La Liga titles and triumphing in the Champions League on four occasions.
Despite this trophy-laden spell in Spain, he chose to embark on a new chapter, joining Manchester United under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer four years prior.
Speaking on The Bridge, a podcast co-hosted by current Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and former Real player Lassana Diarra, Varane explained that the prospect of a transfer had been on his mind for several years as he sought a fresh challenge in his career.
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“It was indeed a lengthy deliberation,” Varane stated. “It’s not a sudden impulse; the desire to leave developed over time.”
“In 2018, after achieving victory in every major competition, including our fourth Champions League title which felt somewhat commonplace, the subsequent aspiration was always the next Champions League victory.”
Raphael Varane has disclosed that his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United was driven by a need for ‘something different’ in his professional life.
Varane’s successful tenure at Madrid included four Champions League titles, yet he opted for a transfer to Old Trafford.
Despite not adding Premier League or Champions League titles with Manchester United, Varane maintains he has ‘no regrets’ regarding his decision to join the club.
“Following the World Cup win, I felt I had accomplished the pinnacle of the sport. This juncture prompted a period of introspection and reassessment of my career trajectory. I resolved that I needed to reconnect with intense emotions and seek a different environment.”
“Real Madrid is an extraordinary club, beyond description, but it was an experience I had already fully embraced. I felt a strong desire to explore a new chapter.”
Varane’s time at Manchester United spanned three seasons, during which he played under managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag.
During this period, the Red Devils did not mount a significant challenge for the Premier League title or the Champions League, although they did secure the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.
Despite not replicating the scale of trophy success he enjoyed at Real Madrid, Varane insists he has ‘no regrets’ about his choice to move to Manchester.
“For me, England, and Manchester specifically, embodies the intense passion for football. It’s palpable, it’s lived and breathed every day,” he remarked.
“Looking back with the benefit of time, I have absolutely no regrets as it has been an incredible journey.”