- Raphael Varane left Manchester United this summer after three years at the club
- Now he has opened up about his departure and subsequent retirement from football
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Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has opened up about his summer exit from Old Trafford.
Varane ended his three-year stay at United when his contract expired in June and he left the club for nothing.
The Frenchman, who joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid for £42m in 2021, admitted he wanted to stay for a longer period but realized in the final months of last season it was time to move on. .
“At the beginning of my last season at Manchester United, I was already telling myself that I would have liked to finish there, extend the adventure (there) a little longer,” Varane said. L’Equipe. ‘It didn’t happen and the summer was very hectic.
“With United I finished with a victory in the FA Cup, but I already knew that the club’s project did not suit me.”
Raphael Varane spoke about the reasons for his departure from Manchester United
Varane won the FA Cup in his last game for United, but had already decided that the club project “did not suit me”
Varane had a standout performance in United’s shock FA Cup final victory over bitter rivals Manchester City at Wembley, as he returned from injury to frustrate Pep Guardiola’s men.
But after a series of physical setbacks in recent years, and having had to deal with a congested football schedule, Varane explained that he wanted to reduce his playing time and that led to him leaving United to join Serie A club Como. TO.
However, his time at the Italian club was cut short as he suffered a knee injury on his Coppa Italia debut in August.
With a long spell on the sidelines looming, Varane opted to retire, revealing he knew straight away it was time to hang up his boots.
“I was looking for something special and that’s how I found Como,” he added.
‘As it was a project that stood out, it was not exotic or economically (rewarding) but humanly it made sense, and it still does, since I am going to stay by his side.
‘I also wanted to play only once a week. After pre-season, the family was supposed to follow me to Italy, but when I got injured on August 11 I knew immediately that it was all over. I was sure of myself because I had anticipated it.’
Varane will not be seen on the Como pitch again, but announced last month that he will stay at the club.
Varane joined Como in the summer, but retired after suffering an injury on debut.
Varane stays in Como and could now work closely with coach Cesc Fàbregas
A statement read: “And so, a new life off the field begins.” I’ll stay in Como.
‘Just without wearing my boots and shin guards. Something I hope to share more about soon.”
Varane did not specify exactly what his new role is, but could see him working alongside former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who manages the club.
Como was promoted to Serie A last season and is 14th in the table after picking up eight points from its first seven games.
