Fans' Q&A: Raphael Varane
During Tour 2022, we put your best questions to Manchester United defender Raphael Varane in a fans' Q&A session.
The World Cup winner discussed all manner of topics, from his calm approach to defending to his favourite former United player.
Want to find out how it feels to win the World Cup? Curious about how Varane prepares for a football match?
Read on to find out these answers, and many more...
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Javier, Singapore: Who made you fall in love with football?
“Thank you for your question Javier. When I was younger I was looking for every good player. I haven’t one player who was my favourite, but I was looking obviously more defenders and I was looking just to enjoy football, nothing more.”
Richard, Poland: How do you stay so calm under pressure?
“Hi Richard. I just try to be myself. We have to manage the pressure and I try to change the pressure on focus and concentration and that’s what I try to do. And I try to be calm, but it’s not always easy, but we try to be focused on the game.”
Stefan, UK: So far in your time at United, which game have you enjoyed the most?
“Hi Stefan. It’s difficult to say one game, but my first goal in Old Trafford was a special moment.”
Lisa, UK: What did it feel like to score your first goal for United [against Brentford, in May 2022]?
“Thanks for the question. Obviously it’s amazing. It was a great feeling, obviously I was very, very happy.”
Gila, Israel: Why did you choose the no.19 shirt?
“Hi Gila. The number 19 was my first number when I arrived in Real Madrid, so I wanted to do the same thing in another great club.”
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Ibrahim, Italy: Who is your favourite player of all time?
“Good question Ibrahim. It’s difficult to answer. I have no one favourite player but I just enjoy the football in general.”
Rafael, South Africa: What were your first thoughts when you heard the final whistle in the World Cup final in 2018?
“Hi Rafael. It was a special moment. Mainly the biggest emotion I feel in my career. It’s the biggest trophy, and a special moment, so it was just amazing.”
Xavier, Canada: What is your biggest achievement outside of football?
“Hi Xavier. The most important thing in my life, it’s my family. So, that’s the most important thing.”
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Mark, Ireland: What type of music do you like to listen to?
“Hi Mark. I like a lot of music. Different styles. I like the Caribbean music, I like R&B, rap, different things.”
Samuel, Thailand: Do you have a routine you have to do before every game?
“Hi Samuel. I do pre-activation before every game. So, a little stretching, mobility, that’s it.”
Yoona, New Zealand: Which retired Manchester United player would you love to play with the most?
“Good question. I would like to say maybe Laurent Blanc because he's a French defender, like me, and a great player.”
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Anon, China: What did you like at school? What was your best subject at school?
“School, I don’t know. Maybe science.”
Michael, Northern Ireland: You’ve played for big teams at international and club level, so what do you think makes Manchester United special?
“I think Old Trafford, it’s special. I think the fans are amazing. We feel the support all the time and everywhere in the world.”