Raphaël Varane

[GDeep™]

Varane was concerned about leaving regular football in France, going abroad and most probably warming the bench at a big English\Spanish side. He could yet still stay in France if Real decide to loan him back, though a loan to a Spanish team is most likely.

Looks like the Zidane factor was vital.

 

[Le Titi]

Looks like the Zidane factor was vital.

Definitely. Can you imagine (as a young player) Zidane flying over to persuade you to join? If your mind wasn't made up enough already, and then he comes along.

Good move by Madrid to appoint him.

 

[GDeep™]

Expecting Zidane to be a key player next summer too with a player who is being linked with a move to Real as well as English clubs - Eden Hazard.

 

[Floating]

Zidane seems to be as influential as Arsène, in terms of attracting/persuading young French players to play for his club.

 

[kofigunner]

Looks like it's definitely Madrid and you're right, Zidane was instrumental.
Translated from French on Len FC's site
http://www.rclens.fr/infos_2011/06/22_varane_martel/index.php#ancreContenu

Gervais Martel - Chairman of the Racing Club de Lens "It's not officially with Real Madrid but it is on track and hopefully it will happen that day. Madrid leaders were very correct with us, they have been with the player. There is nothing that goes wrong! Some believe that Raphael will not play there. I can tell you he does not go to Real to repaint the changing rooms! Raphael is intelligent, everybody knows it. I want to emphasize the speaker was exceptional Zinedine Zidane in this case. "

 

[AFCG7]

Apparently Man City are in for Aly Cissokho.. they must be reading these forums

 

[Clrnc]

Obviously if Cissokho is a good player, their scouts would have noticed him.

 

[CandysRoom]

Looks like the Zidane factor was vital.

Definitely. Can you imagine (as a young player) Zidane flying over to persuade you to join? If your mind wasn't made up enough already, and then he comes along.

Good move by Madrid to appoint him.

I bet Aaron Ramsey felt the same when Gary Neville tried convincing him his future lay at United

 

[been]

lock this one