MANCHESTER UNITED’S first signing of the post-Alex Ferguson career almost ruined his career because of a tattoo.
Guillermo Varela joined the Red Devils in June 2013 after impressing on a two-week trial.
GettyGuillermo Varela once got in trouble over his tattoos[/caption]
GettyThe Uruguayan joined Manchester United in 2013[/caption]
Joel DugdaleIt was the inking of the woman’s face on his arm that landed Varela in trouble with Niko Kovac[/caption]
Joel DugdaleVarela also got a neck tattoo while on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt[/caption]
He signed a five-year deal under David Moyes but made just 11 appearances before leaving in 2017 following loan spells at Real Madrid Castilla and Eintracht Frankfurt.
And it was his stint at Frankfurt that almost jeopardised his career – all thanks to a tattoo.
Varela, 30, was plagued by injuries while in Germany so spent his free time getting new ink.
That infuriated manager Niko Kovac and Varela was suspended by the club ahead of the DFB Pokal Cup final against Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Varela recalled the incident in an interview with SunSport, and was sure to dispel rumours the tattoo had caused an infection.
He said: “I got a tattoo at the top of my back on my neck. It was during my injury, while I was not playing, about three months before the final in May.
“[Manager] Niko Kovac said to me, ‘I don’t want you to get any more tattoos.’
“I said, ‘Why? I’m injured…’
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“He said, ‘Yes, I know but you have to respect the players and the staff.’
“I said, ‘Okay, I understand but I am injured.’ Then when I started to play again I got this one done on my arm [a woman’s face].
“He said to me, ‘No, no, no. You stop here because we have the final in one week and I told you before you have to finish with your tattoos so now you are out.’
“I didn’t get infected, that’s not true. It was just because I got it.”
After leaving Old trafford Varela spent time at Copenhagen and Dynamo Moscow – he now plays for Brazilian side Flamengo.
Getty – ContributorThe defender made just 11 appearances for the Red Devils[/caption]