Raphael: Why it's important for me to speak English

Our new signing sat down for an exclusive chat soon after his transfer was announced and conducted the interview in near-perfect English.

Not long after becoming a Real Madrid player back in the summer of 2011, Varane set about becoming fluent in Spanish as quickly as he could, and he is clearly determined to settle into life in Manchester as fast as he can.

“It’s difficult for me to do this interview in English, but I have to try!” he joked. “I think it’s very important to be close to the fans, because we have the same objective. We have to fight together and it’s important for me to be comfortable with my team-mates and with the coach.

“It’s important for me, for my life and for my professional life as well.”

Varane was unveiled in front of 75,000 beaming United fans inside Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime and the French international says he will never forget the incredible welcome he received and his first experience of the club's supporters.

“I came here because I wanted new emotions and it was exactly what I expected and bigger,” he declared.

“It was massive, a great moment, and I want to say to the fans thank you, and I will do my best to leave everything on the pitch.”