Raphael Varane Recreates Andres Iniesta’s Iconic 2018 Photo After Final Old Trafford Match

Raphael Varane Recreates Andres Iniesta’s Iconic 2018 Photo After Final Old Trafford Match

Elijah Odetokun
May 16, 2024 at 10:55 AM
In this article:
Raphaël Varane logo
R.Varane
Manchester United logoDFrance logo
Manchester United logo
Manchester United
England
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Newcastle United logo
Newcastle United
England
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Anthony Martial logo
A. Martial
Manchester United logoFFrance logo
Andrés Iniesta logo
A.Iniesta
Emirates Club logoMSpain logo
FC Barcelona logo
FC Barcelona
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  • Raphael Varane bid his final farewell to the Old Trafford fans last night
  • He will leave Manchester United in the summer when his contract is up
  • His last picture at the stadium has been compared to Andes Iniesta’s

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Raphael Varane bid his final farewell to the Old Trafford fans last night. He is set to leave the club at the expiration of his contract, and he recreated an iconic image.

The former France international joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 on a three-year contract with a club option of another 12 months.

Raphael Varane, Old Trafford, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Premier League.
Raphael Varane applauds the Old Trafford fans after Manchester United beat Newcastle United on May 15, 2024. Photo by Martin Rickett.
Source: Getty Images

He and the club decided not to proceed with their relationship, and he will leave when his deal expires this summer to explore other career options.

He missed last night’s game due to injury, and if he is fit for the final day's trip to the AMEX Community Stadium to face Brighton. His last game was the 4-3 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Varane recreates Iniesta’s iconic photo

Varane and compatriot Anthony Martial were the two confirmed departures who bid farewell at Old Trafford last night, with the forward also leaving because his deal will expire.

As spotted by ESPN FC, the former Real Madrid star waited for the fans to leave Old Trafford and sat in the centre circle to take in the atmosphere for the final time.

The image recreates the Andres Iniesta moment from 2018 when the Barcelona legend sat in the centre circle at Camp Nou after his final game against Real Sociedad.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner posted on his Instagram page, sharing photos of the selfie he took during his unveiling and his departure with the fans.

Varane’s awkward first meeting with Ronaldo

Sports Brief previously reported on Varane’s awkward first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo when he joined Real Madrid as a teenager from RC Lens in 2013.

The two shared the pitch 213 times for Los Blancos and played one and a half seasons in Manchester before the five-time Ballon d'Or left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.