Raphael Varane: Not easy to turn down Man United and Jose Mourinho

Updated 05/09/2016 at 09:56 GMT

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has revealed he made a difficult choice in turning down Jose Mourinho’s offer to join Manchester United in the summer, but believes he made the right choice in staying with the Spanish club.

Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid)

Image credit: Imago

Varane is widely considered as one of the most promising young centre-backs in world football, and has impressed when playing at the heart of the Real Madrid defence since his move from Lens in 2011.

Jose Mourinho was credited for much of the Frenchman’s development during the Portuguese manager’s three-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. And Mourinho had hoped to lure the 23-year-old to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, only for Varane to reject the offer.

Speaking to Canal+, Varane said: "Of course it's flattering. Manchester United are a very big club. But from the moment when Madrid and I are in sync on my project, there's no questions to ask yourself.

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Zidane Varane

Image credit: Eurosport

"I have always said I feel good in Madrid. It's not easy to say 'No' to Jose Mourinho, but you have to weigh up the pros and the cons. We're men, we have decisions to make and that's how it is."

Varane is under contract with Real Madrid until 2020, and whilst Mourinho’s influence ensured Varane’s development as a player, it was Zinedine Zidane who, as a sporting director at the time, brought the Frenchman to the club.

Varane has now repaid Zidane for the faith shown five years ago by staying in the Spanish capital and the defender has revealed his current manager proved the decisive factor in his decision not to join United.

"It was really that trust, that support which was important for me, and when I was reassured on that point, there was no question of it anymore."

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