Thursday 9 April 2015 13:39, UK
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane insists he is happy at the Bernabeu, despite interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Both Premier League giants have been linked with big-money summer moves for the classy France centre-back, whose future has been the subject of much conjecture in recent months.
When fit, Sergio Ramos and Pepe form Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice centre-back pairing, and the club are expected to hand both of the experienced defenders new contracts this year. That has placed question marks over how much regular first-team football Varane will have over the coming seasons.
A combination of injuries and suspension for both Ramos and Pepe have allowed Varane to make 21 league appearances this term, the most he has ever managed in one season in a Real Madrid shirt.
And amid the speculation linking him with a switch to England, Varane insists he is content at the Bernabeu.
Speaking after his side's 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, he said: "I am focused on our season and we are going to give everything to win it all. I am happy here."
Varane also admitted he was surprised by referee Mario Melero Lopez's failure to award his side a penalty after Cristiano Ronaldo was felled by Rayo defender Antonio Amaya inside the box at the start of the second half.
To add insult to injury, Melero Lopez booked Ronaldo for diving, and the Portuguese will now miss Saturday's match against Eibar after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Varane said: "I thought that it was a penalty, I was surprised that it was not given, but I saw it from afar."
Real Madrid were outplayed by Rayo in the first half before eventually taking all three points thanks to second-half strikes from Ronaldo and James Rodriguez. Varane believes his side’s increased intensity after the break powered them to the win.
He added: "[At half-time] Ancelotti asked us for higher pressure, from higher up the field and with more intensity. In the second half, our intensity increased and our pressing improved. [We secured] a very good result.
"It’s important not to lose more points, to continue forward and to continue thinking that we can win La Liga. We have to continue, there are eight important matches left, we need the whole team."
