Raphael Varane, the former Manchester United defender, has recently shared insights about his departure from Old Trafford this summer.
After three years with the club, Varane’s contract ended in June, allowing him to leave without any transfer fee.
The French star originally joined Manchester United from Real Madrid for £42 million in 2021.
While Varane had hopes of extending his stay, he recognized toward the end of the previous season that it was time for a change.
A Bittersweet Farewell
“In the early days of my last season at Manchester United, I thought it would be great to continue my journey there,” Varane admitted in an interview with L’Equipe.
“However, things didn’t pan out as I hoped, and the summer turned out to be quite eventful.”
Varane’s tenure concluded on a high note, as he played a crucial role in the team’s surprise FA Cup final victory against their fierce rivals, Manchester City, at Wembley.
This was particularly impressive considering he returned from injury just in time for the match.
Yet, despite the victory, Varane sensed that the club’s direction was not aligned with his personal goals.
A Shift in Priorities
After experiencing multiple fitness issues over the past few years and expressing frustration with the crowded football schedule, Varane made the decision to reduce his playing time.
This led him to join Serie A club Como, where he hoped for a fresh start.
Unfortunately, his debut with Como took a disastrous turn when he suffered a knee injury during the Coppa Italia in August.
Faced with a long recovery, Varane quickly came to the realization that his playing days were over.
Finding Purpose Beyond the Pitch
“I was seeking something special, and that’s how I found Como,” Varane explained.
“It wasn’t just about the glamour or financial gain; the project resonated with me on a personal level, and it still does. I plan to stay involved with the club.”
He further elaborated on his desire to play less frequently, aiming for matches just once a week.
Varane had hoped to have his family join him in Italy after preseason, but following his injury on August 11, he knew immediately that it was time to retire from playing.
“I was certain about my decision, as I had seen it coming.”
Embracing a New Role
While fans won’t see Varane on the pitch again, he announced last month that he will continue with Como in a different capacity.
In his statement, he expressed excitement about this new chapter, saying, “So, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como, just without my boots and shin pads. I’m looking forward to sharing more details soon.”
Although Varane hasn’t revealed his exact role yet, there’s speculation that he may work alongside former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is currently managing the club.
Como, having secured promotion to Serie A last season, is currently sitting in 14th place in the league, having earned 8 points from their first seven matches.
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