Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez has given an insight into his relationship with fellow centre-back Raphael Varane.
The two have been instrumental to United’s revival under Erik ten Hag. The pairing is one of the strongest in the Premier League and, given their international successes, the world.
Varane and Martinez are both World Cup winners, with the latter lifting the trophy last month. Their respective nations faced off in the final on December 18, France were looking to win the tournament back-to-back, however, the tie swung in Argentina’s favour for the third time in their history.
Post-match, the two Reds were spotted chatting at the Lusail Stadium and Martinez appeared to be consoling the Frenchman following the loss.
Since returning to Manchester, they have picked up where they left off – in marvellous form. The defenders have become fan-favourites amongst the Old Trafford faithful for their reliability and contributions on the pitch; both are solid in defence but also outstanding on the ball and at creating an attack.
Licha’s love for Rapha
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Argentine reflected on his relationship with Varane and their embrace after the final in Qatar, saying: “It was really, really important. We’ve only known each other a short time at United but we get on really, really well and there’s a real mutual respect and feeling between us. It’s like we’ve known each other for years.
“He was my opponent, but that’s football. One team has to win, and one team has to lose, but I think it’s important to recognise that.
“There’s a mutual love and respect between us. We shared that hug and it was important because football is like that. What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch, but what happens off it is just as important and relationships like that count.”
