Raphael Varane will depart Manchester United at the conclusion of this season.

The French centre-back, 31, will leave Old Trafford after three years when his contract expires.

Varane has appeared 93 times for the club and won the Carabao Cup last season, the club’s first major trophy in six years. 

He had been one of the club’s best earners, earning £340,000 per week, and the club decided not to renew his contract in December, as exclusively disclosed by Mail Sport. 

‘To you, Manchester United fans, it’s been an incredible few years to play for this particular club and wear that jersey,’ he said in an emotional video statement released on Instagram. 

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Raphael Varane has confirmed that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season

He informed supporters that he has fallen in love with the club and has had a ‘wonderful few years’.My children feel at home here. “It will be a special place for me, for life.”My first trip to Old Trafford as a Manchester United player was wild. The atmosphere was great.

 ‘I fell in love with the club and its followers. You have to play for Manchester United to appreciate what it means.

‘When fans visit Wembley Stadium, it’s an experience they’ll never forget. Sharing that moment with them (last season) was very incredible.

Despite the fact that we had a rough season, I am quite optimistic about the future. 

‘The new owners have a clear plan and a strong approach. 

‘I’ll see you at Old Trafford to sаy farewell for the final home game of the season, and it will undoubtedly be a difficult day for me.’

When United bought Varane for £42 million in August 2021, there was a feeling that they had acquired football nobility.  

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Last season he won the Carabao Cup and celebrated with former Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro 

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He was welcomed with cheers and a standing ovation when he joined United for £42 million in 2021.

He was greeted enthusiastically when he walked out onto the pitch before of their season opener against Leeds that year, with supporters out of their seats and screaming to welcome a contemporary icon. 

Here comes a World Cup champion and four-time Champions League winner, with 18 trophies from his Real Madrid career. 

Here comes one of the best centre-backs of his time, with the ability to change the fortunes of a legendary club. 

He goes without the biggest honors he came for, but few United supporters would criticize his efforts when completely fit. 

Fans will remember his relationship with Lisandro Martinez from last season as the strongest central defensive duo the club has seen in years. 

Indeed, it was those two that spearheaded the back line to a 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle last year. Varane might yet add an FA Cup to his prize collection against Manchester City on May 25. 

He has been out with a muscular ailment since early April, missing United’s slump in which they have won just one of their previous eight Premier League matches. 

According to Mail Sport, United believe the 30-year-old’s current £340,000-a-week salary is difficult to explain considering the ιnjury issues that have limited his playing time this season. 

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His partnership with Lisandro Martinez has been United’s best in the past few seasons 

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Injuries have limited his playing time this year, and his £340,000 weekly pay make him one of the club’s best earners.

United are also looking to lower the pay of their highest-paid players in order to free up funds for new acquisitions as they strugglе to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

While Varane is unwaveringly solid and cool on the ball, he has not been noted for his efforts on the other end of the field.

He has two goals in his tenure with the club, one of which being United’s sole goal and winner against Wolves on the first day of the season. 

‘Unflappable effort in the heart of the defense is what Rapha is most known for, as he has shown his obvious skill since joining the club,’ United stated in a statement. 

‘Everyone at United respects Rapha for his service and wishes him well in the future.’