Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer

Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer.

The former France international, 31, joined the Premier League club from Real Madrid three years ago and has made 93 appearances, scoring two goals.

The Athletic revealed in January that while United had originally announced his signing in August 2021 on a deal “keeping him at the club until June 2025”, the contract was instead until this summer with an option for an additional year.

“It’s been an amazing few years for you Manchester United supporters playing for this special club and wearing that shirt,” the defender said in a social media post. “The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was crazy. The atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the supporters. You have to play for Man United to understand what that means.

“For my children, this is home. It will be a special place for me for life. When fans go to Wembley, it’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing.

“Despite the fact that I had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future. The new owners come with a clear plan and a great strategy. We’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye to the last game of the season and it will be very emotional.”

World Cup winner Varane will leave Manchester United this summer (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Varane was one of United’s best players in Erik ten Hag’s debut season but has found himself sidelined for much of this campaign in a combination of selection and injury-enforced absences.

Varane joined United from Real three years ago in a deal worth an initial £34m, rising to £42m with potential add-ons.

He signed on wages close to £250,000 a week ($315,000), according to appearances, the terms of which were more performance-driven after his doctor pointed to a long-term knee problem.

Varane has missed United’s last seven games with a muscle injury, with his last outing for the club coming in the defeat at Chelsea at the start of April.

United have three games left in their season with Newcastle United on Wednesday and Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday in the Premier League before the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

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(Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)