100 Quotes by Raphael Varane

During my second year at Madrid, Jose Mourinho gave me a kick up the backside. I wasn't doing well, I wasn't managing to do what he wanted me to out on the pitch. So he chided me, saying: 'Why don't you run in training?' My first reaction was to mutter, 'Oh come on... ' But I knew he was right, I had more to give.

Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and you have to adapt, keep faith, trust and never give up.

Mourinho doesn't need to give long speeches. He's direct and to the point.

I am a shy, quiet and cool guy in life. And I am no different on the pitch.

Zidane's success comes from transmitting calm and never changing that no matter what is happening. That serenity and tranquility conveys confidence and security. He talks little but when he does, it matters.

Just imagine, I was doing exams and signing autographs for other students. It was surreal. I'm really proud that I passed.

It's not a fault in football to be ambitious, far from it.

I've been playing more regularly in 2015 because of injuries but also because of technical decisions.

What's for sure is that the profile of the central defender is evolving. At one time it was all about the stopper and the libero. Today, central defenders have to be more complete.