Former Real Madrid and France defender Raphaël Varane, whose illustrious career ended prematurely due to chronic injuries, once expressed an extreme dedication to coach José Mourinho upon joining the Spanish giants.
Varane, who retired at age 31, recounted a meeting with Mourinho before signing with Real Madrid in 2011. “I left saying: ‘I’m going to kill myself for that man’,” Varane told Spanish sports newspaper As.
He described Mourinho, then manager of Real Madrid, as having “a lot of charisma.” Varane traveled to Madrid to speak with him personally, wanting to confirm Mourinho’s genuine interest.
His retirement last season came after years of playing through pain. He endured injuries to his knee, Achilles tendon, and back throughout his decade-long career.
Varane played 10 years at Real Madrid, winning three Spanish league titles and four Champions League trophies. He became a reference defender for the club.
The defender also revealed a surprising initial phone call from Zinedine Zidane, who was then a sporting director at Real Madrid. Varane, only 18 and studying at his mother’s home, initially disregarded the ringing phone.
“I was really scared,” he said, asking Zidane if they could speak later because he was busy. Zidane, known for his elegance, agreed without issue. Varane then excitedly told his brother before calling Zidane back.
Varane suffered a severe external meniscus rupture in 2013, considered the most complicated type. Surgery removed 72% of the meniscus, preventing him from fully extending or flexing his leg.
This injury and subsequent issues meant Varane “always played with pain.” Even now, when he exercises, he experiences discomfort. He reflected on the physical demands, stating: “Doing sport is very good for health, but high competition is not.”