Varane taking confidence from CL final

Raphael Varane has said that playing the full 120 minutes of the Champions League final for Real Madrid has given him confidence for the World Cup.

Varane spent much of last season on the injured list but returned for the run-in and played in Lisbon due to an injury to Pepe.

AS reports the France international as telling L’Equipe that coming through the 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid has convinced him he is past his fitness problems.

“I’m fine, I’ve already had several weeks were my knee is fine,” he said.

“I’m training well and these last sessions have been good. Psychologically I feel good. I saw in Lisbon that I can play 120 minutes.

“It was a difficult season but it will help me build character because there were hard moments.

“On the field I got more experience so it wasn’t all bad. The Champions League final has given me confidence and the desire to go forward. It will serve as a springboard.

“Other players were happy for me, congratulated me, and it’s a source of motivation for them. It gives them the desire to work hard and win trophies.”

Varane added that he is encouraged by what he has seen of the France camp so far and insisted playing at the World Cup brings more excitement than nerves.

“Participating in the World Cup is a great joy. We have the best job in the world and in Brazil we can make people happy. I’m incredibly lucky to do this at my age,” he continued.

“I have in my head that I want to do things step by step and to prepare for the rest that depends on me. For everything else, I don’t know. That’s up to the Coach.

“I didn’t expect anything special. I’m very happy to be here and so far everything is working well. I hope it stays that way and gets better.

“[France] can do something good. This is a good group. We can beat any team and get as far as possible.”

Tags France Raphael Varane World Cup 2014
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