RAPHAEL VARANE will leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer, the club have confirmed.
The Frenchman, who currently earns £350,000-a-week, has made 93 appearances for United since joining from Real Madrid almost three years ago.
Varane announced his departure with a heartfelt message on social media.
In a video, he said: “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.
“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.
“I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.
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“For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me for life.”
Varane played his final match for Man Utd at the beginning of April, when the Red Devils suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The defender has since been sidelined with a muscle injury.
He is one of several players set to leave Old Trafford this summer, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to overhaul the first team squad.
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The Red Devils are expected to entertain talks for almost everyone except Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
Ahead of his imminent exit, Varane insists Man Utd are in great shape under the guidance of Ratcliffe and his INEOS group.
The 31-year-old added: “Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future.
“The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.”
Varane’s Man Utd career
By Neil Custis
RAPHAEL VARANE arrived at Old Trafford to a huge ovation.
Walking out to the centre circle ahead of the opening game of the 2021-22 season he took out his own mobile phone to capture the moment.
This seemed to be another step under Ole Solskjaer towards getting Manchester United back to the glory days – wrong.
It is unlikely the four time Champions League winner is going to get anything like the farewell he might have hoped for.
The French World Cup winner has announced he will definitely be leaving in the summer.
He posted a heartfelt thanks to the club and fans a day before their final home game of the season.
No doubt he has done it in the hope of an emotional send off – who advises these people?
Varane has played an average of just over 20 league games a season since his big money switch from Real Madrid while raking in around £350,000 a week.
At no time did we see the player who had served Real Madrid so well.
Once again the club has been used as a convenient pay day by a player who can no longer hit the heights.
Thank you and goodbye.
Varane concluded his farewell video by saying: “I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season. And it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”
The World Cup winner walks away from Old Trafford having earned just under £55million in wages.
During his time with United, Varane won the Carabao Cup at Wembley in 2023.
He is yet to announce his next club, although he is understood to be interested in moving to Italy or Saudi Arabia.
Varane’s statement in full
“To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.
“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.
“I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.
“For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me for life.
“When the fans go to Wembley it’s something they remember for life. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing.
“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future.
“The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.
“I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season. And it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
