Raphael Varane: I would never move to Barcelona

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has demonstrated his commitment to the club by saying he would "never" sign for rivals Barcelona. 

The France centre-back was talking to the show El Larguero on Spanish radio channel Cadena Ser. 

During the interview, Varane also revealed the problems Zinedine Zidane had when he first tried to convince him to sign for Real Madrid -- because he didn't realise it was him.  

"I was going through a difficult period in my life," Varane explained. "I started to play professionally for Lens in November and we were in a really difficult situation, fighting not to be relegated to the second division. 

"A lot was going on, a lot of people were ringing me for all sorts of things and it got to a moment where I didn't want to even speak to anyone. I was also taking exams at the time. 

"I knew I had to leave Lens, because it was a difficult time, economically and everything else... and then Zizou rings me, but I didn't know it was him. I thought, 'someone else to bore me...' 

"But little by little I recognised his voice and I felt stupid. I didn't know what to say. As I was so stressed I hung up. Years later, he's still talking to me about that, because hanging up on Zizou... not many people have done that." 

Varane then answered some quick fire questions to finish the interview:

What type of music do you listen to?

French and American rap. I don't like rock and roll much.

Beach or mountains?

Beach. [The island] Martinique.

Favourite place in Madrid?

The Bernabéu. I also like restaurants a lot.

What series are you watching?

La Casa de Papel on Netflix.

Will you manage when you retire?

I don't think so.

What do you miss most about France?

The food.

Paella or tortilla?

Tortilla.

Another Champions League or the World Cup?

That's a really difficult question.

Would you ever move to Barça?

Never.

Do you want to retire at Madrid?

If I can, yes.