Real Madrid icon explains reasons for exit in 2021 – ‘Wanted to keep feeling that buzz’ | OneFootball

Raphael Varane recently opened up about the reasons behind his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, sharing his thoughts in a conversation with Aurelien Tchouameni on the midfielder’s podcast.

The former French defender, who retired from football due to injuries after a brief stint with Como, now serves on the Italian club’s board of directors while focusing on youth development.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Varane revealed that the decision to leave Los Blancos had been on his mind for years, having enjoyed a hugely successful stint at the Spanish capital club.

Varane admitted that the thought of leaving Real Madrid first crossed his mind back in 2018, not when he eventually left in 2021.

“You do not just wake up one morning and decide to leave Madrid,” Varane began.

“It was in 2018, after winning our fourth Champions League title. It felt like nothing special – just another normal thing. You win the Champions League, and people are already asking for the next one.”

Varane added that winning the World Cup later that year left him feeling he had accomplished everything.

“I had won it all. I had everything. I reached a point where I had to rethink and manage my career differently. I needed to feel something different, to experience ‘that’ feeling again,” he said.

Varane left Real Madrid in 2021. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Varane also spoke about his move to Manchester United, emphasising his desire to experience something new after a decade in Madrid.

“I wanted to keep feeling that buzz. I have no words to describe what I lived in Madrid, but it was time. I wanted something different,” he admitted.

“In England, especially at Manchester United, football is lived with passion. You experience it up close. I do not regret anything,” the Frenchman added.

Varane left Real Madrid in 2021, but his memories of the club remain special.

“Madrid was… I cannot describe it. It was exceptional. But I had already experienced it. I wanted something different. For me, England and Manchester have something special,” stated the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

“You feel the passion for football every day. Now that it is over, I have no regrets,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo