Raphael Varane believes he is fulfilling his destiny after moving to Manchester United from Real Madrid.
The center-back won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League titles in the Spanish capital, while triumphing at the 2018 World Cup with France.
Varane, who joined Real in 2011 from Lens, completed the move to United on a contract worth £ 42.7m (€ 50m) in August.
However, in an interview with Sky Sports, the French international revealed that he almost made it to Old Trafford 10 years earlier when former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson went to his home in Lille to advertise the services of the team. then 18 years old.
“It was a special time for me and my family,” Varane said. “It’s great to meet someone like him [Alex Ferguson] at 18.
“You know, after that, it’s your destiny. Ten years in Madrid and now I’m here.
“This is a new challenge for me. A different race, a different mentality, a different atmosphere. It’s all new to me, but I’ve enjoyed every day so far.
“It is a great challenge to bring Manchester United back to the top, but I feel that people want to win, people want to do great things with this club and this is a great motivation for me.”
In the absence of Sergio Ramos last season, Varane shone for Los Blancos, who finished second among defenders for both duels won (110) and interceptions (36) in LaLiga.
United’s defensive takeover also dominated in the air, winning 73 dogfights, more than double the results of his defensive colleagues.
But despite the success in Madrid, he remained in the undercard as he was surrounded by big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he reunited in Manchester.
“I don’t play football for this goal [the headlines]”Continued Varano. “I just want to help the team and do my best.
“I want to improve and be who I am on the pitch. This is my goal and my mentality.
“Playing with this type of player [Cristiano Ronaldo], get better every day. If he still plays at such a high level at his age, it’s because his work is fantastic. I am very happy to play with him.
“I think it’s the best example in the world in terms of work ethic and winning mentality.”