Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has opened up on his personal mantra that has helped him develop into a world-class defender, and a habitual winner.
The Frenchman, who joined United from Spanish giants Real Madrid back in August, has faced no shortage of battles to find himself in the position he stands in today, with the challenge of overcoming adversity in his homeland during his early days being just one of them.
Varane says attending boarding school during his early teen years helped him massively, building his confidence and resilience to help him in his development, before becoming one of the most recognised and established centre-backs in the world.
Varane has also developed a winning mentality throughout his career, winning a total of 20 major honours, including one World Cup and four Champions League titles.
On his experience at boarding school, Varane told United's club magazine, Inside United : "Yes, it was not easy for me. I was very busy and tired but, always, school was very important and obviously football too. So it was difficult to do both things but my mum and my dad wanted to help me, to push me to help me to both things.
"I think it's a good school – to learn to fight and to be strong and, mentally, never give up."
The Frenchman revealed that there is a specific mantra that he uses to deal with any troubles that may occur, which he heard at Pole-Espoirs - the French Football Federation development centre.
Roughly translated into English, it says: 'To fall is allowed, to rise is mandatory.'
"Yes, this is something I learned when I was younger," added the Frenchman. "And it was in a moment when I had an injury. A bad moment.
"I know it's obvious but, when it's difficult, that is when you have to show your character and come back stronger. That is why it's important."
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