‘Raphaël Varane is special’ – Fabregas expresses high hopes on new Como signing

Como have officially announced the signing of four-time Champions League winner and 2018 World Cup champion Raphael Varane.

The 31-year-old French defender joins on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester United expired at the end of June.

The former Real Madrid star has inked a two-year deal with the newly promoted Serie A side, with an option to extend for an additional year.

He arrived at Como’s pre-season training camp in Austria on Sunday, where he met with coaches Cesc Fabregas and Osian Roberts, as well as his new teammates.

“Como 1907 are thrilled to announce the signing of French defender Raphaël Varane from Manchester United on a two-year deal with an option to extend,” the club said in a statement.

“Regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Varane won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during his time at Real Madrid.”

Fabregas also expressed his excitement about Varane’s arrival, saying, “Raphaël is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club.

“He is highly decorated and the experience he brings from two of the best leagues in the world cannot be underestimated. I can’t wait to start working with him,” he added.

Varane joins Como after a three-year stint in the Premier League with Manchester United, where he made 68 top-flight appearances, including 22 in the 2023-24 season.

Como, who finished second in Serie B last season, looks forward to Varane’s contribution as they prepare for the 2024/25 Serie A campaign.