Varane: It drives me mad when I'm compared to Sergio Ramos LaLiga - Real Madrid Defender opens up to L'Équipe

Days after winning the World Cup, and with four Champions League titles already in his personal trophy cabinet, Rafael Varane let rip at those who continued to compare him with Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos.

The defender gave an interview where he admitted that the comparisons get on his nerves, preferring to talk about the tournament in Russia, his style of play and his personality.

This is what Varane had to say to L'Equipe.

His style of play

"They sometimes ask me to play like [Sergio] Ramos, to be more aggressive, to be this way or that way. I have my own style and it's worked for me up until now. They've tried to change me many times."

Being like Ramos

"It drives me mad when they ask me to be like Sergio Ramos. Do they ask him to be like another player? They accept him just the way he is, he's Ramos. And nowadays it's accepted and understood that I'm the way I am."

His character

"Since I was seven years old they said I was a good kid. But there's always been a personality behind that. Yes, I'm friendly, but it's not just that. You can't do what I've done at Real Madrid for seven years without having character."

Mbappe

"I've met some aliens, but it's the first time I've seen such a young one! When I talk to him about tactics, he doesn't let me finish the sentences. He understands everything so quickly."

His personality

"When there's a need for someone to speak, I'm there. When there's tough times, I'm there. In the World Cup Final at the half there was a lot of pressure being such a young group, and I said: 'Guys, let's be positive, we're winning 2-1, everything is OK. The first 45 moments are past us.'"

The Ballon d'Or

"I see football as a team sport, I'm not looking for the spotlight. But if there's a chance to win the Ballon d'Or, I'm not going to say no. It depends on the criteria... If it's given on the basis of achievements, then I'm well positioned, but it's very difficult for a defender."