Raphael Varane may no longer be a Como player but that does not mean the former Manchester United defender no longer has a role to play at the Serie A newcomers.
The news that everyone was expecting finally broke last week.
Raphael Varane, left out of Como’s official Serie A roster after suffering a serious injury just 23 minutes into his debut, officially hung up his boots. One of the most decorated and talented centre-halves of the modern era, Varane retired only months after his Manchester United contract expired.
And while this alone is probably justification for United’s decision not to extend his stay at Old Trafford – the legendary Gary Neville feels the Red Devils will no longer make signings like this under Ineos – it is a major blow for a Como outfit who had hoped to make Varane the posterboy of their ambitious project.
Varane felt that Como were offering something ‘special’ when joining the Serie A newcomers on a free transfer over the summer.
And, just because the former Real Madrid star is no longer a professional, that does not mean he will not still play a major part in the Lombardy-based outfit’s rise to prominence.
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Raphael Varane’s next step explained as Manchester United hero retires
Speaking to Radio Sportiva, Como’s sporting director has confirmed that Varane will stay in those picturesque surroundings while potentially acting as an ambassador to a club looking to make a name for themselves not only in Italy but across the globe.
“We will make certain discussions with the appropriate official press releases,” Carlalberto Ludi explains. “Rapha has always been fair to us.
“Since the injury in August, we have monitored the situation. The announcement we were expecting arrived.
“We are still talking to the player, who is always correct with us. I leave the official press releases to the owners, but he will stay with us. He will make Como talked about around the world.
“Then, we will see the subsequent developments.”
The news of the veteran’s retirement last week served to highlight just how highly he is regarded across the footballing world. David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay were amongst the former Manchester United team-mates to pay emotional tributes to Varane on social media.
France boss thinks Varane retirement is the right call
France boss Didier Deschamps feels Varane’s decision is the right one, meanwhile. The 2018 World Cup winner bowing out at the top level a la fellow Frenchman Eric Cantona.
“Knowing him, I know that this decision, always difficult to make, is the result of careful consideration,” Deschamps sighs, speaking to the French FA website. “It is therefore the right one, which we must respect.
“Speed, vision, technique, mentality, Raphael had all the qualities required to achieve this magnificent career. For ten years, the France national team was another family for him. He will always be welcome there.”
“He arrived young and quickly established himself as a leader on the field but also off it, where his opinion was listened to and respected. I’ll remember a player always oriented towards others and the team,” adds Deschamps, who handed Varane the majority of his 93 Le Bleus caps.
“With France, but also with every team he played for, he was always remembered as a great professional. For that and everything else, we must say a big thank you. I wish him to be happy in the new challenges of his choice.
“He will also be able to devote himself to his family, which means a lot to him.”
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