Raphael Varane has officially signed with Serie A club Como after leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2023/24 season, Soccernet.football reports.
Varane joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2021, making 93 appearances in all competitions. His time at Old Trafford was marred by injuries, leading to a challenging three-season stint before his contract expired this summer.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Serie A club Como and will play in the Italian league this season.
Varane will team up with former Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas, who became Como’s head coach following a successful stint as Osian Roberts’ assistant.
Announcing Varane’s arrival via the club’s website, Fabregas said: “Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club.
“He has won so much in his career and the experience he has gained in two of the best leagues in the world cannot be underestimated. I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Varane also shared his ‘enthusiasm’ for the new move, revealing his excitement over joining a ‘special project’ in Italy.
“I am very happy and enthusiastic about this new project,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get started and get to know the team and my teammates. I realized how special and different this project is to all the others I’ve been offered, so I wanted to find out more.
“I’m really 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 to help a club build itself to the top is something beautiful.
“I will meet Cesc again, but this time not as an opponent. I am very happy, I really like his playing philosophy and his passion for football.
When we spoke it was very easy to understand each other, so I hope we will have very positive results. In any case, I arrive with a lot of humility to help the team and the club grow.”
The 2018 World Cup winner’s contract will see him remain at the Italian side for the next two seasons with an option to extend his stay for a further year.