In a candid interview with French media, Raphael Varane opened up about his unexpected transfer to Serie A, opting for a new challenge rather than retiring at Manchester United.
After enduring an injury-plagued spell at Old Trafford, Varane chose to join Italian club Como, a move that surprised many fans who expected the Frenchman to finish his career with the Red Devils. In this article, we dive into Varane’s decision to leave Manchester, his reasons for choosing Italy, and his reflections on his time at United.
A Disappointing United Spell Comes to an End
Manchester United’s defensive struggles in recent years have been well-documented, culminating in a disastrous 2023-24 season where the team conceded a staggering 85 goals across all competitions. With new ownership under INEOS, the club decided to implement a defensive reshuffle, bringing in young talents like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro to rejuvenate the backline. Unfortunately for Varane, his time at United was cut short as his contract expired and the club chose not to trigger a one-year extension option.
Varane’s three-year stint at United was marred by injuries. The former Real Madrid star, who arrived with great fanfare and a winning mentality, could not maintain the consistent level of performance that had once made him one of the world’s best defenders. Missing over 40 games across his three seasons, the 31-year-old was rarely able to string together a prolonged period of fitness. This prompted United to let go of Varane in the summer, opting instead to bet on younger, more durable players.
A Search for Balance: Why Varane Chose Como
Despite being a seasoned veteran with a decorated career, Varane was not ready to hang up his boots just yet. In an interview with L’Équipe, the French defender explained the reasons behind his surprising move to Serie A. “At the start of my last season at Manchester United, I was already telling myself that I would have liked to finish there, to extend the adventure a little further,” he revealed.
Varane’s heart was set on a new challenge, but he also wanted a more balanced approach to the game. “I was looking for something special, and that’s how I found Como,” Varane shared, emphasizing that the Italian club’s project aligned perfectly with his goals. “Como was a project that stood out, it wasn’t exotic nor financially [rewarding] but humanly it made sense, and it still does.”
The Como project appealed to Varane for a variety of reasons. He was keen on playing only one game a week, allowing him to manage his physical condition while still contributing on the pitch. After years of battling injuries, this reduced playing schedule seemed ideal. “I also wanted to play only once a week,” he added. “After the preseason, the family was supposed to follow me to Italy.”
The Final Blow: Injury and Retirement
Varane’s excitement for the new chapter in Italy was short-lived. During pre-season training with Como, the Frenchman suffered an injury on July 11th, which would prove to be the final blow in his playing career. Reflecting on that moment, Varane said, “When I got injured on the 11th of July, I knew right away that it was over. I was sure of myself, because I had anticipated it.”
It was a devastating moment for Varane, who had hoped to extend his career and contribute to Como’s ambitions. However, the injury served as a stark reminder of the physical toll that years of professional football had taken on his body. “The family was supposed to follow me to Italy,” he noted, but the injury forced a sudden change of plans.
Varane’s Time at United: A Mix of Promise and Frustration
Varane’s time at Manchester United will be remembered as a frustrating period for both the player and the fans. Upon his arrival from Real Madrid, supporters were ecstatic, believing that Varane’s winning mentality and wealth of experience would help solidify United’s defense. He was, after all, a four-time Champions League winner and a World Cup champion with France.
However, the reality was quite different. Varane struggled with persistent injuries, rarely completing an uninterrupted run of games. While he did contribute in some important matches, he could not maintain the form that had made him a standout defender in Spain. Ultimately, United’s decision to move on from Varane was the right one, as the club sought to build a younger, more dynamic defense under new management.
A Career to Celebrate, Despite Its End
Raphael Varane’s decision to move to Serie A instead of retiring at Manchester United was driven by a desire to find balance and pursue a project that felt meaningful on a human level. Unfortunately, injuries once again derailed his plans, forcing him to call time on a storied career earlier than expected.
While his time at United may not have gone as planned, Varane will always be remembered as one of the game’s great defenders, with a trophy cabinet that few can rival. His move to Como may have been short-lived, but it reflected his commitment to football and the passion that had fueled his career for over a decade. As Varane steps away from the game, his legacy remains intact, and his contributions to both Real Madrid and Manchester United will not be forgotten.
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