Soccer
Former Real Madrid star goes undercover at French game
He’s won nearly everything that there is to win but that didn’t stop Raphael Varane going back to his old team, RC Lens.
French soccer concluded for 2024 with a round of Coupe de France fixtures on Sunday. RC Lens were beaten on penalties by reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, with a former player and French World Cup winner watching on from the stands.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane began his illustrious career with Lens and was back at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday, going undercover alongside the home support.
Writing on social media, Varane said: “Back to basics... Don’t try to explain it to them, they won’t understand”
RC Lens also shared photos of the scarfed Varane in the crowd, writing: “As a child and a Racing fan, Raphael Varane was back with his own during [RC Lens - PSG]. Present at the heart of the Lens Kop at Bollaert-Delelis, the former player gave his voice to support the Red and Gold!"
Born in Lille, not fair from the town of Lens, Varane made his first team debut at the age of 17 and excelled immediately. After playing just one season for the senior team he was snapped up by Real Madrid and went on to become a key piece 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, alongside a whole host of other awards. Still only 31 years old, Varane was forced to retire in September after picking up a knee injury on his debut for Italian side Como. He announced his retirement in September, just a few months after he helped Manchester United to a shock FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Writing on Instagram he explained: “I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”
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