Raphael Varane determined to leave his mark with Real Madrid

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is determined to leave his mark within the team despite a lack of playing time under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The France international is preparing for tomorrow’s friendly against Brazil and is expected to start in Didier Deschamps starting eleven.

Although the 21-year-old has been a regular with the French national team, he has struggled for first-team football with Real Madrid due to the presence of veteran defenders, Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

Varane has been subject of transfer speculation, with the centre-back being linked with a host of European clubs. However, the defender has continually denied these rumors and insists he is willing to stay and fight for his position with the Spanish giant.

“I’ve played less this season with Madrid but regularly with the national team which has helped me not to lose rhythm,” Varane told the French newspaper La Voix du Nord.

“I’ve participated more in the second half of the campaign but that was when the team was going through a rough patch. But it’s during the tough times that you learn the most.

“I’m determined to make my mark with the team.

“Every day is a challenge when you are a Real Madrid player and that’s certainly the case with me.. I need to set myself high objectives to advance as a player.”

Programming note: The international friendly between France and Brazil will be shown LIVE on Thursday at 4:00pm on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.