Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has said his dream of playing for France at the World Cup in Brazil helped him overcome his injury.
The youngster made a huge impression with Los Blancos last season, impressing many with his performances, particularly in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona. But a knee injury sustained in a match against Espanyol ended his season early and Los Blancos crashed out of the Champions League and lost the final of the Copa against city rivals Atletico de Madrid.
Almost five months later, Varane made his comeback from injury, featuring in the Champions League group match against FC Copenhagen, which Real won 4-0. The French defender said he now has eyes on winning major prizes with the Santiago Bernabeu side, but also has one eye on the World Cup.
Speaking to Fifa.com, Varane said: “It was my first serious injury. It wasn’t until later that I started thinking about the World Cup and I told myself that I needed to come back fit, and fast too.
“Zizou was important for me. He saw how impatient I was getting during the pre-season and he calmed me down, something he’s pretty good at. It’s only normal, though. If you don’t have that desire, then there’s not much point being on a football pitch.”
