Raphael Varane was one of Real Madrid's most significant players in recent years. He was a key member of Zinedine Zidane's explosive team, which dominated Europe for years.
He was perhaps one of the club's most crucial defensive superstars. Some would go so far as to declare him a club legend, which is completely understandable. Without him, the fortified defense would be soulless.
However, he did not acquire such steady notoriety and glory from the start. His first spell at the club was erratic, and the player spoke about how he fought for consistency and excellent performances at Los Blancos.
Raphael Varane talks about jibe by Jose Mourinho
When the French defender joined Los Blancos in 2011, he met Jose Mourinho and struggled to get along with him. The center-back's first season at Madrid was not the most promising or successful, with only 15 appearances in less significant games.
His meetings with Jose Mourinho weren't always pleasant, but the manager believed in Varane. In an interview with Aurelien Tchouameni on YouTube, the player stated, "The first season I had to play fifteen games in total, but I played the games in which we were already qualified, the Cup games... He helped me progress little by little and didn't throw me directly into the pool."
The midfielder went on to discuss an uncomfortable dispute he had with the Portuguese boss at the start of the season. He said: "I remember it well, it was in the gym. He's someone I respect a lot, he's charismatic, and he said to me directly: 'But why are you useless?' I looked at him surprised because he had really pissed me off. I told him it wasn't easy because I wasn't playing and that it was a complicated start to the season. He pestered me then and then asked me if I was ready to play the following Wednesday."
It's worth noting that Varane replaced Sergio Ramos in the following game and performed admirably despite his pain. This led to the club's early faith in him, which helped him become one of the most vital and indispensable defenders on the squad.
Varane now enjoys retirement with a legacy at Real Madrid to love and be proud of.