Raphael Varane has acknowledged that Como’s coach, Cesc Fabregas, played a significant role in his decision to join the Serie A club, though he also cites several other factors that influenced his choice.
The 31-year-old Varane, who was a free agent after leaving Manchester United, recently signed a two-year contract with an option for a third after weighing his options for a few weeks.
“The overall project was what truly swayed me,” Varane stated during a press conference. “It presented an intriguing opportunity not only to contribute to the club but also to embrace a new challenge and gain new experiences.”
While Fabregas’s presence as Como’s coach was certainly a pivotal factor in Varane’s decision, the veteran French international emphasized that the move was driven by a combination of factors.
“Cesc was undoubtedly a crucial part of this process, but it was also the challenge of a new league that made it appealing. All the necessary elements were there for me to make this move.”
To help him decide, Varane was invited to Como for a few days, where he toured the facilities and explored the picturesque Lake Como region. During his visit, he discussed football extensively with Fabregas and found that their ideas and philosophies aligned well.
“I appreciated Cesc’s approach and the vision he shared, as we have many ideas in common,” Varane added. “Cesc’s competitive spirit meant there wasn’t much more to say.”
Como has undergone significant changes since last season, with many new signings and a shift from the team that finished second in Serie B. Varane acknowledges the need for the squad to gel and adapt to new tactical demands.
“We need to focus on getting fit and learning to play together with the new tactics the coach has introduced. It’s important to take it game by game, assess our start to the season, and strive for continual improvement.”
With a distinguished career, including four Champions League titles and a World Cup win in 2018, Varane brings a wealth of experience to his new club.
France
