Raphael Varane hasn’t exactly had the season he expected when he transferred from Manchester United to Como 1907.
Varane departed Manchester United in June, with the club allowing the Frenchman to leave Old Trafford on a free following his contract expiring.
It was a Serie A newbie in Como who decided to take a punt on the four-time Champions League winner. Como announced Varane’s arrival in July.
However, a nightmare Serie A return was set for Varane. The Frenchman played 20 minutes for his new side, before being forced off through injury. This subsequently led to Varane making the decision to retire.
Varane was kept around at Como as a board member. His role is to work closely with the Head of Development and Head of the Education Program.
This is why, with a move developing, he could play a key role in getting forgotten Premier League star Dele Alli back to his best.
Raphael Varane played key role in Dele Alli’s transfer to Como
Alli is set to sign for Como with immediate effect, with the club’s official website confirming the transfer on Sunday evening.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that former Manchester United ace Varane played a ‘key role’ in bringing Alli to Como.
The general consensus is that the midfielder’s experience will help a lot of younger players in the squad.
Como were also after Marcus Rashford, which didn’t come to fruition. However, Varane’s influence will be bringing an Englishman to Italy this January.
Alli and Varane do have a history. They were part of one of the first real major controversies in regard to VAR.
Dele Alli controversially got Raphael Varane sent off for France
England took on France in a friendly match in 2017, a match which France won 3-2 – but it was a day to forget for Varane against the Three Lions.
Varane was sent off just 34 seconds into the second half, having fouled Alli in the penalty area after he burst through. However, it was done controversially with VAR, still in its early stages, intervening.
Referee Davide Massa immediately pointed to the spot and took the yellow card from his pocket – but didn’t show anybody.
He wanted a second opinion from his Virtual Assistant Referee. He deemed Varane’s challenge on Alli deliberate, and therefore worthy of a red card.
It was a decision, later deemed to be incorrect, with last-man rules having changed the year prior.
Gareth Southgate commented on Varane’s red
England boss Gareth Southgate said video technology “won’t always get it 100% right”.
Southgate said to BBC post-match in 2017: “I assume the referee wanted to make sure and if he can, then it’s a sensible decision. There will still be an element of one person’s judgement in that.
“Even with the video, you won’t always get it 100% right,” Southgate continued. “I’ve not seen it again but from my initial view, I thought it was the right call.
“From where we were it looked like a clear penalty and then a sending-off. If people are saying otherwise then I would have to see it again.”
France coach Didier Deschamps added that the sending-off “was quite harsh”.
Alli’s pace in behind ultimately forced the mistake from Varane. He’ll be glad they’re now fighting in the same corner.
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