He has won almost everything there is to win, but that didn't stop Raphael Varane from returning to his old team, RC Lens.
French football concluded on Sunday with a round of Coupe de France matches. RC Lens were defeated on penalties by reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, as a former player and French World Cup winner watched from the stands.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane started his illustrious career with Lens and was back at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday, where he went undercover alongside the home support.
Varane wrote on social media: “Back to basics… Don't try to explain it to them, they won't understand”
RC Lens also shared photos of the masked Varane in the crowd, writing: “As a child and racing fan, Raphael Varane was back with his during [RC Lens – PSG]. Present in the heart of the Lenskop at Bollaert-Delelis, the former player gave his vote to support Red and Gold!”
Born in Lille, not fair in the city of Lens, Varane made his first-team debut at the age of 17 and immediately excelled. After just one season playing for the senior team, he was signed by Real Madrid and became a key figure in one of the most decorated teams of recent years.
Varane spent a decade in the Spanish capital, winning three La Liga championships and four Champions League titles, among a host of other trophies. Still just 31 years old, Varane was forced to retire in September after suffering a knee injury on his debut for Italian side Como. He announced his retirement in September, just a few months after helping Manchester United to a shock FA Cup victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
He explained on Instagram: “I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just stick to the game. It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and your instincts. Desire and need are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, this is the time to stop and hang up my boots as I won a trophy at Wembley in my last match.”
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