Joining Manchester United was my destiny, says Varane
Raphaël Varane, who moved to Manchester United from Real Madrid in August, says a switch to Old Trafford had been in his sights ever since a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson 10 years ago.
Manchester United new boy Raphaël Varane believes he has fulfilled his destiny after joining the Premier League club from Real Madrid this summer.
The centre-back won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns in Spain's capital, while triumphing at the 2018 World Cup with France.
Varane, who joined Madrid in 2011 from Lens, completed a move to United in a deal worth a reported 50m euros in August.
Teenage Varane courted by then-Man United boss Ferguson
However, in an interview with Sky Sports, the France international revealed he almost arrived at Old Trafford 10 years prior as former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson travelled to his Lille home to tout the then 18-year-old's services.
"It was a special moment for me and my family," Varane said. "It's amazing to meet a person like him [Alex Ferguson] at 18.
"You know, after that, it's your destiny. Ten years in Madrid and now I'm here.
"This is a new challenge for me. A different competition, a different mentality, a different atmosphere. It's all new for me but I've enjoyed every day so far.
"It's a big challenge to get Manchester United back to the top but I feel people want to win, people want to do great things with this club, and that's a big motivation for me."
In the absence of Sergio Ramos last term, Varane shone for Los Blancos, ranking second among defenders for both duels won (110) and interceptions (36) in LaLiga.
United's defensive acquisition dominated aerially as well, winning 73 aerial duels – more than double the tallies of his defensive colleagues.
Varane lauds Ronaldo's "worth ethic and winning mentality"
But despite his success at Madrid, he remained on the undercard as he was surrounded by big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who he has reunited with in Manchester.
"I don't play football for this focus [the headlines]," Varane continued. "I just want to help the team and do my best.
"I want to improve and be who I am on the pitch. That's my objective and my mentality.
"Playing with this type of player [Cristiano Ronaldo], you improve every day. If he is still playing to such a high level at his age, it's because his work is amazing. I'm very happy to play with him.
"I think he is the best example in the world in terms of work ethic and winning mentality."