Raphael Varane wants to retire at Real Madrid, rules out move away from Santiago Bernabeu

France defender Raphael Varane has revealed his ambition of retiring at Real Madrid, ruling out any possibility of a transfer away from the Spanish capital club. The 23-year-old signed for the Champions League winners from Lens in 2011 and has been linked with a move away from the La Liga giants in the recent past.

Jose Mourinho was the manager at Santiago Bernabeu when the centre-back joined the 11-time European winners. The Portuguese tactician is now in charge at Manchester United and has tried to bring him to Old Trafford.

The deal did not take shape and the Red Devils are still reportedly interested in securing the France international's signature. However, Varane has put the speculations to bed and suggested that "there is no reason for me to leave" his current employers.

"Right now, I would like to stay at Real Madrid until the end of my career. Things are going very fast in this industry, but why would I not want to retire at Madrid? There is no reason for me to leave," Varane explained, as quoted by The Sun.

"I am feeling very well at Madrid. It is obviously very difficult to predict what the future looks like, but I cannot see myself leaving at the moment. I want to continue to be a first-team regular here at Madrid. That is my long-term goal."

Mourinho wanted to reunite with his former player at United last summer. Varane revealed he was flattered by the Red Devils' interest and confirmed that it was "not easy" to snub the 20-time English champions.

"Of course it's flattering. Manchester United are a very big club. But from the moment when Madrid and I are in sync on my project, there's no questions to ask yourself," Varane was quoted as saying by ESPN FC in September.

"I have always said I feel good in Madrid. It's not easy to say 'No' to Jose Mourinho, but you have to weigh up the pros and the cons. We're men, we have decisions to make and that's how it is."