Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane admits that it was difficult to say no to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho in the summer, but has insisted that he is happy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old defender as there was speculation that new manager Mourinho wanted his former player at Old Trafford.
There were also suggestions that Real Madrid were ready to allow him to leave as they could not guarantee that the Frenchman would be a regular starter, but Varane eventually decided to continue in Spain.
He indicated that Manchester United were indeed interested as he revealed that it was tough to reject an offer from Mourinho, but stressed that he feels happy at Real Madrid.
And once he and Real Madrid were on the same page, Varane admits that there was no question of leaving the club.
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The defender told French broadcaster Canal+: “I decided to stay because this is what I wanted and I am happy here.
“It is not easy to say no to Jose Mourinho, but you have to weigh all the pros and cons.
"We are men, and so we have to make decisions.
“Manchester United are a great club, but from the moment Real Madrid and I decided on the project, there was nothing more to say.”
Varane has made 153 appearances for the European champions and has a contract until 2020 with the club.
