"Easy or not!" - Raphael Varane enjoys fun moment with ex-Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes during vacation
Raphael Varane has posted a hilarious collection of snaps of himself and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes surfing while on vacation. The duo are no longer club teammates, but their friendship remains intact.
The French defender posted pictures of the pair posing on a surfboard on water. They pose in the first photo before gradually falling off as the collage progresses. Varane amusingly wrote:
"Easy or not!"
Varane, 31, left Manchester United earlier this month after his contract expired. The veteran French defender has joined Cesc Fabregas' Como 1907, who were promoted to Serie A last season.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner can expect similar settings to the beautiful scenery on display in the Instagram post. Como's stadium, the Stadio Comunale G. Sinigaglia, sits on the shores of Lake Como.
Bruno Fernandes, 29, grew close with Varane during their time together at Old Trafford. They were part of a Red Devils side that won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup this year. The United captain dubbed Varane a 'brother' in response to the Frenchman celebrating their FA Cup final win against Manchester City on Instagram.
The Portuguese playmaker faces an uncertain future and could join his former teammate in departing United. Reports claim he's been one of four players who have been the subject of talks between his club and the Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
"Someone you can rely on" - Bruno Fernandes hailed his former Manchester United teammate Varane
Bruno Fernandes had only fond words to describe Varane's characteristics when speaking early last year. The Portugal international touched on the Frenchman's voice in the locker room in an interview with BT Sport's Between the Lines:
"Rapha [Varane] is a little bit more calm but still a big voice in the dressing room. He’s someone you can rely on but when he has to talk and do his part he does really well."
Varane was viewed as a leader during his spell at Manchester United, as he had a proven winning resume from his time at Real Madrid. The center-back won 18 major trophies at the Santiago Bernabeu and made 360 appearances.
The four-time UEFA Champions League winner's Manchester United departure was somewhat surprising. He made 32 appearances across competitions last season, but injury issues were a problem during his Old Trafford spell.
Leny Yoro, 18, has replaced him, and he's earned comparisons to the former RC Lens defender. The highly-rated French teenager also views Varane as an 'inspiration.'