Varane Shares Health Concerns
Raphael Varane, the esteemed defender for Manchester United, has brought to light the physical toll that heading the ball has had on him over his career.
Concussed State
Varane, who has achieved considerable success at both the club and international levels, revealed the news. He said that the cumulative impact of heading the ball has led to significant health concerns, including playing through a World Cup game in a concussed state.
The Need for Increased Awareness and Protection
Speaking with L’Equipe, Varane discussed the necessity for greater awareness about the risks associated with heading the ball. He emphasized the importance of advising young players against heading, citing the long-term effects it could have.
"My seven-year-old son plays football, and I advise him not to head the ball. For me, that's essential,"
Varane stated.
Long term Damage
He expressed concerns about the potential for long-term damage despite the lack of immediate trauma, urging for education on the dangers at the amateur levels.
Experiences of Playing Concussed
Varane recalled specific instances from his career, including a challenging quarter-final defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup and a Champions League match against Manchester City in 2020, where he played despite suffering from concussions.
Autopilot Mode During France Match
He shared how he was in “autopilot” mode during France’s match against Nigeria, leading up to the Germany game, and the internal conflict about his fitness for subsequent games
“I was weakened, but ultimately I played and rather well," he recounted, highlighting the risks taken when playing concussed.
Advocating for Change
Through sharing his experiences, Varane aims to spark a conversation about the necessity of reevaluating how the sport addresses the issue of head injuries and the practice of heading the ball.
Care for players
His advocacy for change is a call to action for the football community to prioritize the health and safety of its players,. This will ensure that the beautiful game remains a joy and not a risk to those who play it.
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