Man United defender Raphael Varane has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The Red Devils released a statement on Tuesday announcing the Frenchman’s forthcoming exit from Old Trafford after three years at the club.
“Thank you for everything, Manchester United,” Varane posted on Instagram as he bid farewell.
“I fell in love with the club, with the fans,” he said. “You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents.
“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.”
He concluded: “I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye. For the last game at home this season. And it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.”
In a statement released on the club’s website, Man United said the centre-back “brought a great deal of class and experience to the team throughout his 93 appearances so far. The Frenchman also helped to win our first major trophy in six years, when lifting the 2023 Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium.
“The centre-back has been absent since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on 4 April but he is currently working hard on his recovery from injury, and hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign.
“There are Premier League matches to come against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, before the Emirates FA Cup final versus Manchester City on 25 May.
“Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future.”
Varane to leave Man United ahead of summer clearout
Raphael Varane joined Man United from Real Madrid for £41 million plus add-ons on what was reported to be a four-year deal in 2021. However, it came to light this season that the final year of his contract was optional and the club chose not to trigger it.
The 31-year-old added the League Cup to his extensive list of trophies in 2023, but injuries affected his form and kept him from making more than 22 Premier League starts in any of his three seasons at the club. He might yet add more silverware to his resumé as they prepare to face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
“When the fans go to Wembley it’s something they remember for life,” he said.
Varane could be the first of many Man United players to leave in the summer transfer window, with the club set to be open to letting go all but three of their first-team squad if they receive the right offers.
