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Raphael Varane, the former Manchester United defender, has embraced a new challenge, joining newly-promoted Serie A club Como.
The World Cup-winning centre-back left Old Trafford earlier this summer when United opted not to extend his contract.
Varane’s journey with Manchester United, which began in 2021, saw him navigate through a turbulent period with numerous managerial changes.
Now, at 31, he seeks consistency and stability at Como, where he has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third.
Cesc Fabregas, the ex-Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, now manages Como and has been instrumental in shaping the club’s ambitious project.
Fabregas, also a part-owner, guided the team to a nine-match unbeaten run last season, securing their promotion to Serie A.
He has already brought in former Premier League stars Alberto Moreno and Pepe Reina, making Varane’s arrival a significant addition.
“At first, I was curious to find out what the project was all about, and then I immediately saw that it was special, different from any other I’d been offered, so I wanted to know more,” Varane said.
“The more I learned about the project, the more interesting it became, giving me a different perspective on what I wanted to do.”
The French defender’s excitement was palpable. “Once the project came along, it went straight to the top of the list, and we managed to close the deal. I’m very happy. There’s a lot to do, and it’s very exciting.”
“I have a lot of experience at the highest level, and now to be able to share that knowledge and help a club build itself up and hopefully reach the top is super exciting.”
Reuniting with Fabregas is an intriguing prospect for Varane. “I’m meeting Cesc again, but not as an opponent this time. I’m very happy, I really like his philosophy of play and his passion for football. When we spoke it was so easy to understand each other, so I hope we’ll have very positive results. In any case, I’m coming with a great deal of humility to help the team and the club grow.”
Fabregas, eager to work with the seasoned defender, expressed his enthusiasm. “Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club,” Fabregas said.
“He is highly decorated and the experience he brings in two of the best leagues in the world cannot be underestimated. I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Como confirmed Varane’s signing with a tweet: “Como 1907 is thrilled to announce the signing of French defender @raphaelvarane from Manchester United on a two-year deal with an option to extend.”
United will undoubtedly miss Varane’s leadership and experience at the back.
Since joining in 2021, he has been United’s most consistent centre-back, offering stability and composure in defence despite his injury struggles.
Some fans and pundits argue that United could have offered him a short-term deal, given his status as one of the best centre-backs in England last season.
As Varane departs, United will be hoping that new signing Leny Yoro can successfully follow in his footsteps. With the right guidance, Yoro has the potential to develop into a key figure at Old Trafford, much like Varane.
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