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.

As the business end of the 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) hot up, it has emerged that fans of the competing clubs differ in their wishes for their clubs.

In a development that have rattled pundits across the world, supporters of EPL side, Tottenham Hotspurs have voted 54 percent to lose to Manchester City, because defeating City would hand the advantage to local rivals, the Arsenal FC.

Biztellers reports that with the 38-game league at the penultimate match, the matchup between Spurs and defending champions, City appears to hold the ace to where who would win.

In an unprecedented move, the supporters of north London side, Spurs, could not hide their disgust for their local rivals, the Gunners winning the trophy, which would become very likely should Spurs defeat City in the Tuesday clash.

At things stand, the Gunners and City are running neck-to-neck with the former top of the log at 86 points after 37 games, and the later next with 85 points having played 36.

The coaching and playing staff might hold different views, though, which leaves the outcome of the clash open to the 90 minutes of action on the pitch.

Biztellers reports that a win would boost the chances of Spurs qualifying for the elite European completion, the European Champions League (UCL) as against losing and being stuck in the less fancied, Europa League.

The season defining clash, igniting attention across the world, goes down this evening in North London.

In a glittering ceremony held in Paris on Monday, Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious talent of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was crowned France’s player of the year.

The award, presented at the prestigious UNFP Trophies gala, marks Mbappe’s fifth consecutive triumph as the best player in Ligue 1.

At just 25 years old, Mbappe’s remarkable season saw him notch an impressive 44 goals across various competitions for PSG.

However, amidst the celebrations, Mbappe’s departure from PSG looms large.

Recall that the French captain last week, confirmed his imminent exit as his contract with the club draws to a close.

With speculation rife about his next move, all eyes are on Real Madrid as the likely destination for the football sensation.

Mbappe’s final appearance at PSG’s home ground on Sunday saw him add another goal to his tally, though it came in a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Toulouse.

Nonetheless, his season’s haul of 27 goals in Ligue 1 places him comfortably ahead of his rivals, with Lille’s Jonathan David trailing by eight goals.

With two more Ligue 1 fixtures remaining this week for PSG, in addition to the upcoming French Cup final against Lyon on May 25, Mbappe’s sensational form could further solidify his status as one of the game’s elite talents.

The award, voted for by fellow players and presented by Marie-Jose Perec, the revered French former Olympic champion, reaffirms Mbappe’s prowess on the field.

Among the contenders he surpassed were his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele, along with Pierre Lees-Melou of Brest, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Marseille, and Edon Zhegrova of Lille.

Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) commanding presence in French football extended beyond Kylian Mbappe’s individual accolades at the UNFP Trophies gala.

Teenage sensation Warren Zaire-Emery was heralded as the young player of the season, while Gianluigi Donnarumma’s exceptional goalkeeping skills earned him the title of the best goalkeeper.

Furthermore, Eric Roy’s remarkable coaching feat at Brest didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named coach of the year.

Roy’s leadership propelled the modest Brittany club to European qualification for the first time in their history.

With one game remaining, Brest’s assured fifth-place finish guarantees them a spot in the Europa League.