Raphael Varane opens up after sealing move to Italian side Como from Manchester United

Former Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has spoken for the first time since leaving the club to join Italian side Como 1907.

The Frenchman left United at the end of his contract having spent three years at Old Trafford after signing from Real Madrid back in 2021.

Varane will link-up with former Premier League star Cesc Fabregas, who is in charge of the ambitious Serie A outfit.

As reported by United’s official website, the 31-year-old has opened up on his “special” switch to Italy, expressing his delight at completing the move.

“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.

“The more I learned about the project, the more interesting it became, giving me a different perspective on what I wanted to do. Once the project came along, it went straight to the top of the list,” he said.

The signing of Varane is a major coup for the newly-promoted Como and the World Cup winner is hoping his experience can help his new side make a splash in the Italian top-flight.

“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,” he continued.

Varane then opened up on his relationship with his new coach and says he’s been impressed with Fabregas’ approach to the game from early conversations.

“I’m meeting Cesc again but not as an opponent this time. 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,” he added.

Varane played 95 times during his stay in Manchester and was a key cog in Ten Hag’s defensive wheel and played an instrumental role as the Red Devils clinched the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in back-to-back campaigns.

Everyone connected with United will wish Varane all the best with the next chapter in his glittering career.

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