- The former Manchester United star went undercover to watch a weekend match
- His identity was concealed by a scarf and hat until after the match
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A former Manchester United star went undercover to conceal their appearance while attending a weekend match involving one of his previous teams.
Carrying out routine activities, such as going to a football match, can be a difficult task for retired players who know that autographs and photos will be requested everywhere they go.
Their popularity can often be a double-edged sword and many players will choose to hide their identities or don undercover disguises when attending large public gatherings.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer recently went incognito, wearing a balaclava and hood, with his partner to the Christmas Winter Wonderland in London.
Now a former opponent of his has been spotted doing the same while attending a cup match in his home country of France this weekend.
Raphael Varane left Man United in the summer after failing to get a contract extension and eventually retired due to a long-term injury at new club Como.
A former Manchester United star went undercover to conceal their appearance while attending a weekend match involving one of his previous teams
The 31-year-old went unnoticed among fans as he attended the cup match in France on Sunday
The 31-year-old has clearly enjoyed his time off over the festive period and was on hand to watch his boyhood club Lens take on PSG in the French Cup on Sunday.
A difficult encounter finally ended with PSG winning on penalties, much to Varane’s dismay, as he joined thousands of fans in the main stand of the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Varane first broke into the Lens first team as a talented youngster, but played just 24 senior games before being picked up by Real Madrid.
It was at Madrid where he became one of the world’s best defenders alongside Sergio Ramos, winning four Champions League titles and the World Cup with France, among several other major honours.
Now he has returned to the routes of his childhood, with Lens sharing photos of Varane going undercover during their match.
Ex-Man United defender Raphael Varane wore a scarf and hat to hide his identity during the Lens Cup match
Varane previously won the FA Cup with Man United last season before leaving the club
With a Lens club scarf wrapped around half his face and an orange cap, the former defender’s identity remained well hidden throughout the match.
Varane later confirmed his presence by posting an update from the club on X stating: ‘Full throttle into the crowd. As a child and racing fan, Varane was back with his own car during #RCLPSG.
‘Present in the heart of the Lenskop near Bollaert-Delelis, the former player gave his voice to encourage Blood and Gold!’
His time in England ended with the Frenchman playing a crucial role in last season’s FA Cup final, as United won the iconic title by beating rivals Man City 2-1 in the final.