Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has vowed to overcome his recent injury problems and continue "evolving as a player".

The 20-year-old, who joined Madrid from Lens in 2011, is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football, but has had a stop-start campaign thus far due to injury.

"I hope to meet expectations. To achieve this, I need to keep working hard and hopefully things will go my way," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and you have to adapt, keep faith, trust and never give up. There were some moments which are harder than others, but that's normal.

"I think when you're 20, you just want to play. Clearly it's not easy, but it's normal. I can't rest on my laurels, I want to keep moving forward and evolving as a player."

Varane turned down a host of interest before moving to the Bernabeu as an 18-year-old.