- 22 Dec 2024
Varane is not for sale, says Madrid coach Zidane
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
- 4 min read
Zinedine Zidane has emphatically shot down speculation that Raphael Varane could leave Real Madrid, insisting the defender is “untransferable”.
Despite Real Madrid winning La Liga last term, Varane has not hit the heights of the form he enjoyed in Madrid’s flurry of Champions League triumphs in recent years.
| Stat | 2019/20 | 2020/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 32 | 8 |
| Tackles Won P90 | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Aerials Won P90 | 2.6 | 2.9 |
| Duels Won P90 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Interceptions P90 | 1.0 | 2.4 |
| Ball Recoveries P90 | 5.1 | 4.4 |
But he remains one of the most successful and experienced defenders around, having added a World Cup victory to his vast club collection of trophies in 2018.
Even though United’s interest is concrete, Zidane left no room for ambiguity when asked about the transfer rumours.
“It’s not just me [who wants to keep him],” the Madrid head coach told reporters.
“He is part of this club, we were very lucky to be able to bring him to Madrid.
Raphael Varane snapshot:
“He has a great career, he’s achieved a lot since he’s been here. Of course, he is untransferable for the club, for the coach that I am, for people in general.
Zidane hopes his statement will put an end to all the rumours with regards to his players.
“That’s clear and unambiguous,” he added.
“Now we can’t stop people from talking. They’re not just talking about Varane, but about all the players, Real Madrid ones and others. But for Varane, my position is clear, and it’s the same as the club’s position.”
Varane started 32 of the 38 matches for Madrid when they won La Liga in 2019/20, and has featured in all but one of their league matches so far in the new campaign.
