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Raphael Varane To Depart Man Utd

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Manchester United’s Raphael Varane has sent shockwaves through the footballing world with his decision to bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old French defender, who made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021 for a hefty £34 million ($43 million), announced his departure on Tuesday.

Raphael Varane, a crucial figure in Manchester United’s recent history, played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first trophy in six years, the 2023 League Cup.

However, despite this triumph, United’s current season has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the team languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and facing slim chances of European qualification, having suffered 14 defeats.

Varane’s time at United has been marred by injuries, with his last appearance dating back to a 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on April 4.

He said “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” Varane said on social media.

“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.

“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.” he added

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed optimism about Raphael Varane’s potential involvement in the FA Cup final later this month, hoping that Varane could contribute to securing another trophy for the club.

With Newcastle set to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday and United traveling to Brighton for the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, ten Hag outlined the plan for Varane’s inclusion in the upcoming matches.

Ten Hag said on Tuesday “We plan [for] him. Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game (the FA Cup final).”

Manchester United released a statement confirming Raphael Varane’s departure from the club, praising his significant contributions characterized by “great class and experience” during his tenure.

The statement highlighted Varane’s exceptional defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of his impact on the team since his arrival.

Varane, heralded as one of the most decorated defenders of his era, boasts an impressive resume, including four Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs during his illustrious 10-year stint at Real Madrid.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their journey to the final in the 2022 edition.

Despite his international success, Varane made the decision to retire from international football at the age of 29, citing the immense physical and mental pressures associated with elite-level competition.

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Rangers Secure Victory As 2023/24 NPFL Champions

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Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, known as the flying antelopes, secured their 8th Nigerian Premier Football League title for the 2023/2024 season with a 2-1 victory over Gombe United at Zaria road stadium in Jos.

They amassed an impressive 70 points from 38 matches played throughout the season.

The team captain, Amobi Ezeakwu, proudly received the league trophy and a winning prize of one hundred and fifty million naira from Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The match was attended by dignitaries including the chairman and members of the Nigeria Football Federation board, league board chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, as well as the governors of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

With this triumph, Rangers International will represent Nigeria alongside Remo Stars in the upcoming African Champions League competition.

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Ex-Italy Player Hospitalised After Violent Robbery Attack

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Italian football legend Roberto Baggio has been hospitalized after an armed robbery at his home in Altavilla Vicentina, northern Italy, last night.

The incident occurred while Baggio’s family was watching the Euro 2024 match between Italy and Spain.

Baggio, 57, known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), attempted to resist the five intruders but was struck in the head with a gun.

The robbers then locked him and his family in a room before making off with watches, jewelry, and money. The exact value of the stolen items remains unknown.

The robbery, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, left Baggio with a forehead injury requiring stitches.

He was treated at a hospital in Arzignano, about eight miles from his home.

While his family was unharmed physically, they were left severely shaken.

Local police are investigating the crime and are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene.

Baggio, who has not yet commented on the incident, is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players.

During his 22-year career, he played for clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, and won two Serie A titles.

Baggio converted from Catholicism to Buddhism after a significant injury in 1985, though he married his long-time partner Andreina Fabbi in a Catholic ceremony in 1989. The couple has three children.

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Robert Page Sacked As Wales Manager After Poor Results

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The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced the dismissal of Robert Page as manager of the national team following a series of underwhelming performances.

In a statement released on Friday, the FAW confirmed, “The Football Association of Wales has taken the decision to end Rob Page’s contract as Men’s National Team Head Coach.”

Page, who made history by guiding Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in 2022 and advancing to the second round of Euro 2020, faced criticism after failing to secure a spot in this year’s European Championship.

Wales was eliminated in a penalty shoot-out against Poland during the play-offs.

Despite a vote of confidence from FAW president Steve Williams, who initially affirmed Page would lead the team through the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the situation worsened.

A 0-0 draw with Gibraltar in a friendly match—one of the most humiliating results in Wales’ football history—sealed Page’s fate.

The FAW’s decision came after more than a week of deliberation over the 49-year-old’s future.

The former Welsh international defender leaves with glowing tributes from his former bosses. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney expressed gratitude, saying, “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the national teams.

“Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru (Wales) men’s team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in 64 years.”

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