Madrid defender Varane hints at need for more gametime

Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane has dropped a hint that he may be prepared to leave the club over the summer in order to continue progressing as a player.

Speaking in an interview published on Wednesday in Spanish sports paper, Diario AS, the 23 year-old French international pointed out that he not played as many big games as he had hoped this season as he was third choice central defender at the club behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

The defender, who has been attracting interest from clubs in the English Premier League, commented that, "until November I played nearly everything."

"It's also true that I had some mistakes, which are unusual for me. There are a lot of positive things, but it is also true that I would have liked to have played the key games at the end of the season, especially in the Champions League," he said, making reference to the fact he played a total of just one minute in Real Madrid's quarter and semi-final ties against Wolfsburg and Manchester City.

Varane has been at Real Madrid since joining as an 18-year-old from Lens and he admitted that "after five years at Madrid," he hoped... "to overcome the obstacles."

"I feel I am at a crucial moment in my career and I think a player needs to develop and to feel he is important. I try and work hard every day and to progress. I know my qualities and what I am able to do," said Varane.

Finally he discussed the forthcoming European Championships where he will play for the hosts.

"We are able to beat anyone and compete against the best sides. We are going to prepare well for the tournament. It will be a huge motivation for us to live the European Championships in France and I hope to be at my best," he concluded. Endit