Raphaël Varane, a defender for Manchester United, informed the French sports daily L'Équipe that he feels he has had multiple concussions over his career, causing "damage" to his body.
Varane, 30, cited a few instances in which he played only a few days after claiming to have suffered a concussion. These instances included France's 0-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals and Real Madrid's matchup with Manchester City in the 2020 Champions League round of 16.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a concussion results from a "bump, blow, or jolt to the head" or "a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth." According to the CDC, any of these abrupt motions may result in "chemical changes in the brain," "the brain bouncing around or twisting in the skull," and/or "stretching and damaging" of brain cells.
The former French international claimed that by playing Germany only a few days after suffering a blow to the head during a match against Nigeria, he exposed himself to danger and that the medical staff wasn't sure if he was healthy enough to play.
"I experienced eye strain. In retrospect, I ask myself if I would have disclosed the injury, even if it meant missing this game, if I had realized it was a concussion. Even if testing were conducted ten years ago, I have no idea. How can I determine whether I can play at that particular moment? The 2014 and 2018 World Cup player for France, Varane, provided an explanation.
Raphael Varane of Manchester United heads the ball wide during the UEFA Champions League round Of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United and Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford on March 15, 2022 in Manchester, England.
The soccer player continued by saying that he doesn't "blame the doctors" and that he had been reluctant to discuss the effects of head injuries over the years because he didn't want to use them as "excuses" for his performance.
Varane emphasized that greater knowledge is required about the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries since athletes may feel "weak" if they disclose that they are ill.
Varane told L'Équipe, "As elite football players, we are accustomed to pain. We are a little like soldiers, hardened to pain, symbols of physical strength, but these symptoms are almost invisible."
"Everyone notices if you limp due to leg pain. However, mentioning that you're exhausted, that you have headaches, or that you have eye tiredness feels weak when you have head traumas. Thus, we initially convince ourselves that it will pass.
The father of three now, Varane stated that it is critical to educate all players—amateur and junior alike—about the risks associated with heading the ball.
"I tell my seven-year-old son not to do headers when he plays football," he continued.
We are aware that repeated shocks are likely to have negative long-term effects, even if they do not cause immediate damage. He said, "I personally don't know if I will live to be 100, but I do know that I have injured my body.
Varane revealed that he had sustained brain injuries during his time at Manchester United this season, adding that staff and medical experts had recommended him not to play during a period of "abnormal tiredness" and "eye fatigue."
Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French Football Federation have all been contacted by CNN for comments.
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