Raphael Varane to leave Man United at the end of the season

He will leave as a free agent

Man United has announced that Raphael Varane will leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent.

The defender has spent three years with the club, after joining from Real Madrid in August 2021.

Man United have said Varane still aims to be available to play before the end of the season, despite setbacks from injury.

Merci, @RaphaelVarane 🇫🇷❤️#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 14, 2024

The club statement reads: “The centre-back has been absent since the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on 4 April but he is currently working hard on his recovery from injury, and hopes to be available again before the end of the campaign.

There are Premier League matches to come against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, before the Emirates FA Cup final versus Manchester City on 25 May.

Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future.”

In a post to X, Varane gave an emotional goodbye to the club and the fans, saying it will be a ‘special’ place for him for life.

Thank you for everything, @ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4nwJxk4ddf

— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) May 14, 2024

He said: “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. It’s going to be an emotional day for me, for sure.”

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10