Manchester United’s announcement of the signing of Raphael Varane was the confirmation we had been waiting for.

It still seems surreal, and so we checked out Real Madrid’s website for confirmation at their end.

Real Madrid’s short statement made clear how highly they regard Varane, even as he departs. They reeled off a list of his honours at the club, and it was quite substantial.

Real’s Communicado Official read: “Our club thanks the player for his professionalism and exemplary conduct throughout his ten seasons representing our colours, during which time he has won 18 titles: 4 Champions Leagues, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 3 LaLiga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups.
 
“Real Madrid would like to express their gratitude to Raphaël Varane and his family and wish him the best of luck in this new stage of his career.”

FBL-ESP-CUP-ZARAGOZA-REAL MADRID
(Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Huge respect for Varane

Varane did not force his way out and end on a sour note. Real respected that, and were more concilatory towards giving him the move he made clear he wanted.

 

The centre-back’s huge list of honours shows what United are getting. This is a defender who has won everything there is to win in Spain.

He now needs a new challenge and United can provide it. Varane is still 28 and has plenty left in him at a high level.

The Athletic report Varane will be signing a four-year deal with an option to extend to a fifth.

If he ends up leaving United in five years time with a list of honours half as long as his Real Madrid one, then he will have done incredibly well.

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