'DEVASTATED'
Man Utd fans ‘crying’ at Raphael Varane’s emotional video explaining his exit after three years
The player has interest from clubs around the world
MANCHESTER UNITED fans were "crying" after watching Raphael Varane's emotional announcement that he would be leaving the club.
United confirmed today that the defender would leave on a free transfer this summer on the expiry of his contract.
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The club had the option to activate a one-year extension clause but his £350,000-a-week wages proved to be too much.
Varane has made 93 appearances for the club since signing from Real Madrid three years ago.
The former France international took to social media to post a heartfelt message to United fans.
In a video, he says: "To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.
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"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.
"I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.
"For my kids, it's home here. It's going to be a special place for me for life."
Reacting to the video, Manchester United's official account on X wrote: "The pleasure has been all ours ❤️"
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Another fan wrote: "Cheers Rapha. Now crying."
A third wrote: "We love you king, thanks for the memories ❤️"
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Varane's Man Utd career
By Neil Custis
Walking out to the centre circle ahead of the opening game of the 2021-22 season he took out his own mobile phone to capture the moment.
This seemed to be another step under Ole Solskjaer towards getting Manchester United back to the glory days – wrong.
It is unlikely the four time Champions League winner is going to get anything like the farewell he might have hoped for.
The French World Cup winner has announced he will definitely be leaving in the summer.
He posted a heartfelt thanks to the club and fans a day before their final home game of the season.
No doubt he has done it in the hope of an emotional send off – who advises these people?
Varane has played an average of just over 20 league games a season since his big money switch from Real Madrid while raking in around £300,000 a week.
At no time did we see the player who had served Real Madrid so well.
Once again the club has been used as a convenient pay day by a player who can no longer hit the heights.
Thank you and goodbye.
While a fourth said: "Devastated. You have been fantastic Rapha, such a special player with a special mentality. We will all miss you so, so much and thank you for everything ❤️"
A fifth wrote: "We will miss you king 👑"
And a fifth paid tribute by saying: "It was an honour."
Varane leaves the club having won the League Cup with Manchester United last year.
He is also racing to be fit for the club's FA Cup final against Manchester City at the end of the month.
He is yet to announce his next club, although he is understood to be interested in moving to Italy or Saudi Arabia.
Varane's statement in full
"To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.
"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.
"I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.
"For my kids, it's home here. It's going to be a special place for me for life.
"When the fans go to Wembley it's something they remember for life. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing.
"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.
"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."
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