Manchester United have completed the signing of centre back Raphael Varane from Real Madrid on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Saturday.

The two clubs had reached an agreement for the transfer last month, with British media reporting United would pay an initial £34 million for Varane.

“The chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t turn down,” said Varane, who has 79 caps for France and was part of their World Cup-winning side in 2018. “I will give everything to become part of this club’s illustrious history.”

Varane walked out on the pitch ahead of United’s Premier League opener against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The player, whose Real contract was due to expire next summer, made 41 appearances for the club last season.