"Raphael Varane Signs with Serie A Club Following Manchester United Departure"

Raphael Varane has officially joined Serie A side Como after departing Manchester United at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The defender joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2021, making 93 appearances across all competitions. He saw an injury-ravaged three-season spell at Old Trafford before leaving this summer, upon the expiry of his contract.

The 31-year-old has now signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Italian side Como and will spend the upcoming season playing in the Serie A. Varane is set to join forces with former Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas - who was appointed Como's head coach after a successful campaign 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 has 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 realised 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.'

Varane's contract sees him remain at the club until June 2026, with an option to extend tied into his deal.