(Paris, FRA) - Highly-rated French defender Raphael Varane is to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid from French Second Division side Lens, the selling club's president Gervais Martel told the team's supporters on Wednesday.
Varane, 18, is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in French football and had been closely linked wth a 10million pounds move to English champions Manchester United last month.
However, Martel revealed to Lens supporters that Varane - who has just 23 Ligue 1 matches under his belt in a season that saw the club relegated - had met with Real coach Jose Mourinho and the deal was done.
"Even if Lens had stayed in Ligue 1, Raphael Varane would have left because he is a phenomenon!
"He is going to play for Real Madrid under the leadership of Jose Mourinho who he has already met, just as he has Zinedine Zidane (advisor to the Real president).
"Raphael is an exceptional boy. I am proud that he is going to don the Real colours!
"He has been pursued by Real for the past two months, he was welcomed by Real and he visited their facilities. He told me: 'I cannot turn down such an opportunity!'."
Martel insisted that money was not the main reason for letting Varane leave for Real - though he did not reveal details of the transfer fee.
"Letting him leave is not about the money.
"I must allow him to pursue his career. He is going to a club which has huge sporting ambitions. I am certain he will earn his place there."
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