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What's the story?
According to a fresh report from Spanish media outlet AS, Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has decided to leave the club and informed his intentions to the Los Blancos hierarchy.
In case you didn't know...
Since his arrival in 2011/12 season, the 25-year-old center back has been a mainstay in the Los Blancos' rearguard, more so after the departure of Pepe. In his eight years with Los Blancos, the defender has experienced unprecedented success with the club.
Blessed with exceptional defensive abilities and composed nature at the back, the French defender's impact was immeasurable when Los Blancos won the Champions League four times in five years.
At 25, Varane has won everything there is to win in club football and was the leader of France's rearguard during their World Cup win in 2018.
Varane will turn 26 this April and still has three years left on his contract after he signed a new one last year. Meanwhile, his release clause is at a staggering €500 million.
The heart of the matter
Varane is seriously considering an exit from Real Madrid for a change of scenery, despite being an integral part of the Los Blancos side.
According to the report, the Frenchman has already informed the club hierarchy that he wants to leave. Despite achieving numerous accolades, Varane was left disappointed after Real Madrid did not pay tribute after France's World Cup win unlike his teammates at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
France defeated Croatia in the World Cup final and out of respect of Luka Modric, Los Blancos decided to not pay tribute to the French defender. The Croatian won the Golden Ball in the World Cup and later won the Ballon d'Or for his exploits.
Manchester United and Juventus are keeping a close eye on Varane while Real Madrid board are turning their focus to Napoli defender, Kalidou Koulibaly as a replacement.
What's next?
Real Madrid will not be willing to let an asset like Varane leave easily in the summer. Meanwhile, the Spanish giants will face Valencia away and Eibar at home next in the LaLiga.
