Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has shared his thoughts following France’s brutal defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final.
Les Bleus were beaten on penalties after the match ended in a 3-3 draw following 120 minutes – despite Kylian Mbappe registering a hat-trick.
Varane produced a key block in extra-time, getting in front of Gonzalo Montiel’s goal-bound shot before he was replaced after 113 minutes.
The 29-year-old, who will now return to United as the Red Devils prepare for their first Premier League game after the World Cup on December 27, has reacted to his country’s painful defeat in Qatar as they were unable to repeat their 2018 win.
‘Of course we’re very disappointed, we gave everything,’ he told TF1.
‘We had to face a lot of obstacles throughout the competition, we never gave in. We weren’t in the game for an hour.
‘We could have won, I’m very proud of this group and to be French. We keep our heads high. It went by very quickly, after that we were physically better.
‘We pushed and we believed up until the end. We nearly turned the game around, after starting badly.
‘It was a sinuous journey but there was a mental strength in this team, a lot of heart.
‘That allowed us to get back in the game. We’re disappointed but there’s a lot of pride.’
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand lauded Varane in the build-up to the final.
‘He’s a great player,’ Ferdinand told his YouTube channel. ‘What’s impressive about Raphael Varane is that he goes about his work very quietly.
‘He’s a steady seven, seven-and-a-half [out of 10] every game.
‘Especially when we are talking about France here [in Qatar] – he hasn’t been opened up at all here in this tournament.
‘He came in off the back of an injury as well. He just goes about his work very efficiently.’
MORE : Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez stuns viewers with lewd Golden Glove celebration
MORE : Gary Lineker slams FIFA for making Lionel Messi wear ‘little robe’ during trophy lift
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
