The former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender retired early today, despite being just 31 years old - but he almost arrived at Old Trafford a decade earlier than he eventually did, in 2021
Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football on Wednesday - but his career almost took a different path in 2011.
"In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Despite, featuring 95 times for United and winning the FA and Carabao Cup, his best years came in Madrid where he won four UEFA Champions Leagues, and three La Ligas - just to mention a few of his 18 medals from his time in the Spanish capital.
In his book, published in 2015, Ferguson explained why the transfer never materialised: "In 2011, I hurtled down on the train from Euston to Lille to sign the young French defender Raphael Varane," Ferguson wrote.
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