Real Madrid star defender Rafael Varane revealed that he turned down the chance to join Manchester United this summer, although it was not a straightforward decision to turn down manager like Mourinho.
Varane is considered as one of the best defender of world football right now, though manager Zidane omitted him from the first team in key matches last term.
Speaking with Canal+, Varane said: "It is flattering. Manchester is a very big club. But as Madrid and I continue to be in the process of my project, I do not even ask the question. I have always said that I feel good in Madrid. It is not easy to say no to (Mourinho) but you have to weigh up the pros and the cons. We are men, we have decisions to make and it is like that".
Varane and Mourinho have also worked together previously when the Portuguese manager was in charge of Los Blancos and signed him from RC Lens in 2011, and he turned in some outstanding performances under the manager's guidance.
With Pepe and Ramos a longstanding and effective pair for Madrid in central defense, the temptation have been there to leave Madrid for Varane. Although, he is only 23-year old and has been featured in a lot of Champions League matches. He among in the top five of youngest players with min 30 apps in Euro competition since 10-11.
United landed center back Eric Bailly from Villarreal who has performed superbly at the Theatre of Dreams since his move from the Spanish club. He has the potential to be a long term linchpin in the United defense, a role which United wants to have for Varane but the Frenchman opted to stay at Madrid.
Here is a look at how the Madrid star compared with Bailly in La Liga matches last season:
Bailly Varane
Apps(Sub) 25 23(3)
Goals 0 0
Tackles Per Game 1.8 1.5
Interceptions Per Game 2.6 1.7
Clearances Per Game 4.7 4.7
Blocks Per Game 0.6 0.8
Passing Accuracy 76.9% 88.2%
Fitness issues were also contributed to his absence from some of the important matches from April's Clasico showdown with Barcelona, both legs of the Champions League semi-final with Manchester City and the final itself against Atletico Madrid.
Varane's iffy performances and some excellent displays from the Portuguese veteran Pepe have stalled the process of Frenchman to forge a partnership with Ramos. The French international must ensure that this season is the one in which he blooms at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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