World Cup winner explains decision to leave Manchester United

World Cup winner Raphael Varane has wasted no time explaining his Manchester United departure.

The former France international left the Reds on a free transfer at the end of last season after three years at Old Trafford.

It became clear that Varane, who cost the club £42m in a move from Real Madrid, was going to fall down the pecking order due to age and injury concerns.

The biggest factor behind that was United’s intentions to bolster their defence, with the additions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt secured during the summer.

Despite initially wanting to stay at United, Varane felt he no longer fit the club’s new project which is being led by INEOS’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe, after acquiring a minority stake in the club earlier this year.

“At the start of my last season at Manchester United, I was already telling myself that I would have liked to finish there, to extend the adventure [there] a little further,” Varane told French publication L’Equipe.

“It didn’t happen and the summer was very eventful. With United, I finished with a victory in the FA Cup, but I already knew that the club’s project didn’t suit me.”

Varane went on to elaborate on the injuries he has suffered with throughout his career, after recently deciding to hang up his boots following another setback shortly after signing for Serie A side Como.

“Since the age of 20, I’ve played with a sword of Damocles hanging over my right knee,” he added.

“Managing pressure, knowing my body, knowing when to push the machine, I’ve mastered it perfectly. But over the last three years, I’ve only injured my left knee.

“My right knee had become strong, but less mobile, and my left knee did everything, for power, starts, and impulses. Physically, this injury made me go back into a spiral, and the balance between sacrifices and pleasure was no longer balanced.”

Raphael Varane reflects on retirement after years of injury struggles

It’s a great shame that things have not gone to plan for Varane in Italy. Most United fans wished him well after the service he gave the club, however, it’s worth noting that we would’ve liked to have seen him make more appearances.

When asked about his retirement, Varane concluded: “I was looking for something special, and that’s how I found Como.

“Como was a project that stood out, it wasn’t exotic nor financially [rewarding], but it made sense.

“I also wanted to play only once a week. After the pre-season, the family was supposed to follow me to Italy, but when I got injured on August 11, I knew right away that it was over.”