Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has spoken at length with manager Zinedine Zidane and is convinced the Santiago Bernabeu is the right place for him.
The 23-year-old French defender has found it difficult to break into the starting XI because of senior centre-backs like Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the team. However, in spite of limited opportunities, Varane has been convinced to stay on.
Jose Mourinho signed Varane to Real Madrid from Lens in 2011 and it is no secret the Portuguese manager is a huge fan of the Frenchman. Mourinho tried to sign him at Chelsea, when he went back in 2013, but failed. He renewed his pursuit of the defender once again after joining Manchester United at the start of this season.
Amid rumours that Varane might be leaving for Old Trafford, the young defender announced that he was staying in the Spanish capital.
Varane discussed his future with manager Zidane and is confident the Bernabeu is the best place for him to grow and learn. Varane told journalists that he believed in the coach, his guidance and system, and further development was possible under him.
“Real Madrid is the best place for me to continue my career,” said Varane even though he isn’t always a regular in the team. Confident that Zidane has in him, he ruled out a move away from Madrid most emphatically. According to his contract, the defender is scheduled to remain with the La Liga giants till 2020.
Varane missed the Champions League final and Euro 2016 due to a thigh injury and regrets the lost opportunities. However, the young player is solely focused on the future.
“All the conditions are right to get the best out of myself,” said Varane. “I believe that staying put was the right call. I want to reach my best level this season. It was hard to miss the Euros due to injury, but I want to move on and look toward the future.”
Zidane’s determination to hold onto Varane in spite of unlimited resources and reliable centre-backs is a testament to the young Frenchman’s talent and defensive prowess. At just 23 years, Varane has a long way to go in his career and Zinedine Zidane is possibly one of the best managers to be working under.
Being a part of one of the world’s biggest clubs can’t be too shabby either.
