Raphael Varane of Manchester United has disclosed troubling information, confirming that he participated in matches despite experiencing a serious concussion.

Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has revealed that he took part in two crucial matches of his career while experiencing symptoms of a concussion, unaware of his condition prior to the start of the games.

Varane’s incidents took place before the introduction of stringent concussion assessment protocols in football, highlighting the evolving understanding and prioritization of player safety in the sport.

One of the crucial matches in which Varane should have been sidelined was the 2020 Champions League Round of 16 clash against Manchester City.

Reflecting on the match, Varane confessed to experiencing disorientation during the warm-up and grappling with maintaining focus throughout the game. Despite delivering technically sound performances on the field, he felt sluggish and unable to concentrate, likening his experience to that of a spectator. Real Madrid endured a 2-1 defeat, resulting in their exit from the competition.

Varane also recounted a similar incident during his tenure with Real Madrid, particularly during a crucial fixture.

Following a head injury sustained during a corner kick, Varane underwent a standard five-day recovery protocol. However, he experienced intense fatigue in the aftermath, initially attributing it to end-of-season weariness. It was only later that he recognized it as a symptom of his concussion.

Varane also recalled a similar incident during the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal against Germany. He noted that some of his worst career performances coincided with instances where he had suffered concussions days before the matches.

Reflecting on these experiences, Varane pondered whether he would have chosen to sit out if he had been aware of his condition. This raised concerns about the lack of concussion protocols and awareness in football at the time.

While acknowledging the increased awareness of concussion-related risks in the United Kingdom, Varane highlighted the relatively limited discussion on the subject in Spain. Unlike in the UK, there are no provisions for concussion substitutions in Spanish football, posing challenges for players’ health and well-being.

Varane’s revelations shed light on the significance of concussion protocols and the need for greater awareness and implementation of preventive measures in football. His experiences underscore the potential risks associated with playing while concussed and emphasize the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being.

As football continues to evolve, Varane’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts required to protect players from the long-term consequences of head injuries.