FIFA World Cup winner Varane hails 'Great experience' available at HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens
FIFA World Cup winner Raphael Varane praised the international flavour of the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens as the perfect preparation ground for players' future careers when the former defender joined the weekend's festivities at Sports Road.
Varane, who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France as well as four UEFA Champions League titles during a 10-season spell with Real Madrid, highlighted the positive influence the competition would have on those participating as they prepare for a life in the sport.
Reflecting on the tournament, Varane highlighted how such international events provide a unique opportunity for young players to develop their skills and passion for the game. "I've been watching some games," said Varane, who conducted a penalty shoot-out competition on the sidelines of the event on Sunday in conjunction with the event sponsor.
"What I can see is the passion for football, it is noticeable, and you've got kids coming from all over the world, it's a great experience. "They can play against teams from everywhere, so it's good for the development and to share the culture and knowledge. It's good for everyone. Football is a good way to share different cultures and values. It's great for everybody to be here.
"When I was playing, I used to travel all around the world for pre-season games so for them it's good preparation for the future also." Thirty teams from Hong Kong and around the world converged on the Hong Kong Football Club over the weekend to compete in three competitions during the 23rd edition of the unique event, which was launched in 1999.
AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands won the Main Tournament in their debut appearance, while Western United from Australia claimed the Main Shield and the HKFC Captain's Select secured the Main Plate. Kitchee SC, meanwhile, triumphed in the Women's Tournament, defeating Wrexham AFC Women in the final, and Ampcontrol Discovery Bay emerged as champions in the Masters Tournament, concluding another successful weekend.
The format of the tournament, which sees seven-a-side teams playing on a pitch close to full size, presents a unique challenge to players, accustomed to 11-a-side matches, with speed and mobility key to performing well. These were attributes that Varane possessed in abundance during his career, which ended in September last year after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Italian side Como 1907.
The 32-year-old expressed his affinity for the style of play, and felt he could have flourished in the format. "That's something I really liked, space and lots of one v one situations," he said. "It's difficult to be in a compact block, so it makes the game faster.
"It's good to develop different skills for the kids. I think only positive things (about the tournament). The positive is something you have to work on, the technical side. It's good."
The former central defender, who also won three La Liga titles with Real Madrid as well as the FA Cup and League Cup during a three-year spell with Manchester United, relished his time in Hong Kong as he embraces life after retirement. As part of his involvement with PUMA, Varane also participated in an activation event, offering local Hong Kong fans a chance to meet the football legend.
"I've been doing some activation games with some players from Hong Kong and some kids, and discovering the city," he said. "After retiring, it's a different life, and I have time to live and to experience events like this."
Hong Kong Soccer
Soccerphile.com