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Raphael Varane made the most of his last visit to Old Trafford as a Manchester United player on Wednesday evening.
It was announced on Monday that the 31-year-old French defender would leave the club after his contract expires this summer.
Varane – who wrote an emotional farewell video for supporters – has made 93 appearances for the club since joining from Real Madrid in 2021 and won the Carabao Cup last season, the club’s first major trophy in six years.
He was one of United’s highest earners on a reported £340,000-a-week and the club opted not to renew his contract in December, as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.
However, his time at United has been blighted by injuries, with Varane’s last appearance against Chelsea coming on April 4, although Erik ten Hag revealed this week that he hoped the centre-back would return for the final Premier League game of the season against Brighton. Sunday.
Raphael Varane said goodbye to Old Trafford last night ahead of his impending departure from Man United
Varane made 93 appearances for the club in three seasons, but struggled with injuries
After United’s final home game of the campaign against Newcastle last night, Varane waved goodbye to supporters as the United side completed their usual lap of honour.
And after that took place, Varane made sure he cherished every moment at the famous old ground.
After waiting for Old Trafford to empty, Varane decided to head to the center circle and take a seat alone as he viewed the Theater of Dreams for the last time.
Meanwhile, Varane’s farewell comes as the disastrous cost of his transfer from Real comes to light.
The defender, who United signed for £41million and is said to be the club’s second-highest earner after Casemiro, reportedly cost the club £440,860 per game due to his injury record. This is calculated when calculating his total transfer fee divided by the matches he played in.
Although he has made 93 appearances for the club, Varane has also missed 42 games in his three seasons at the club and has failed to live up to his price tag.
However, speaking on Monday after his departure was announced, it is clear Varane has only fond memories of his time in Manchester.
Varane took time to sit alone in the center circle when Old Trafford was empty
Varane’s £41m transfer from Real Madrid ended up costing £440,860 per match
“To you, Manchester United supporters, it has been great years playing for this special club and wearing that shirt,” he said in an emotional video message on Instagram.
‘The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was crazy, the atmosphere was great.
‘I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that means.
‘For my children, this is my home. It will remain a special place for me for life.’