The former Manchester United star went undercover to watch a weekend game
His identity was kept hidden by a scarf and beanie hat until after the match
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By RYAN WALKER
Published: 06:22 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 06:34 EST, 23 December 2024
A former Manchester United star went undercover to hide their appearance while attending a weekend match involving one of his previous teams.
Doing routine activities such as going to a football match can be a difficult task for retired players who know they will be asked for signatures and photos wherever they go.
Their popularity can often be a double-edged sword and many players will either choose to hide their identity or don undercover disguises when out in mass public gatherings.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer recently went incognito wearing a balaclava and hood to attend the Christmas Winter Wonderland in London alongside his partner.
Now a former opponent of his has been spotted doing the same while attending a cup clash in his home nation of France over the weekend.
Raphael Varane departed Man United in the summer after not being handed a contract extension and eventually ended up retiring upon suffering a long-term injury for new club Como.
A former Manchester United star went undercover to hide their appearance while attending a weekend match involving one of his previous teams
The 31-year-old went unnoticed amongst fans while attending Sunday's cup clash in France
The 31-year-old has evidently been enjoying his down time during the festive period and was in attendance to watch his boyhood club, Lens, take on PSG in the French Cup on Sunday.
A difficult encounter eventually ended with PSG winning on penalties much to the dismay of Varane while he joined thousands of fans in the main stand at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Varane first broke through into the Lens first-team as a talented youngster but only went on to make 24 senior appearances before being snapped up by Real Madrid.
It was in Madrid where he became one of the world's best defenders alongside Sergio Ramos and went on to win four Champions League titles and the World Cup with France alongside several other major honours.
Now he has returned to his childhood routes with Lens sharing snaps of Varane going undercover at their match.
Ex-Man United defender Raphael Varane wore a scarf and beanie hat to cover his identity at the Lens cup match
Varane previously won the FA Cup with Man United last season before leaving the club
Sporting a Lens club scarf wrapped around half of his face and an orange beanie hat, the former defender's identity remained well-hidden throughout the match.
Varane later confirmed his presence by reposting an update from the club on X that stated: 'Full throttle into the mass. As a child and a Racing fan, Varane was back with his own during #RCLPSG.
'Present at the heart of the Lens kop at Bollaert-Delelis, the former player gave his voice to encourage the Blood and Gold!'
His time in England ended with the Frenchman playing a pivotal part in last season's FA Cup final when United won the iconic title by beating rivals Man City 2-1 in the final.