Raphael Varane has told Chelsea that he is not unhappy at Real Madrid, amid speculation he wants to leave La Liga.

Varane is very highly-regarded in the game of football and has developed into one of the best central defenders in world football since Jose Mourinho introduced him to the world a few seasons ago.

But despite adding a fourth Champions League title to his cabinet last season, there has been a lot of speculation in the media which have all suggested that he now fancies a fresh challenge, with reports Maurizio Sarri is keen.

Sarri may have a top-class attack,  but he is lacking real quality in the back-line and will need to invest if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title in the coming seasons.

But amid all the speculation which suggested he wants out, Varane has now told the likes of Chelsea that he is very happy at Madrid.

‘To say that I am not happy at Real Madrid is not true,’ said Varane on the Metro website

‘I’m at Real Madrid. The biggest club in the world. I’m constantly in a state of challenging myself because the requirement here is that of the highest level.

‘I’m focused on my career. We had a tough time in the middle of the season where we had to fight. I’ve given my all in this shirt and I can be proud of that.

‘I cannot control everything that’s said [in the media]. Many things aren’t right but I can’t say I’m unhappy in Madrid. We had a tough season, it’s the daily routine for players at the top.

‘I’m discreet and the problem when you’re a quiet person is you hear many things but talk little about yourself.’

Here is what we think.

It is a shame to see that he is very happy as he would have been a world class signing.

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