Varane to stay at Como with ‘different role’ after retirement

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Raphael Varane walks in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Raphael Varane announces that he will stay at Como in ‘a different role’ after announcing his retirement at 31: ‘See you soon.’

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid centre-back announced his retirement on Wednesday morning with an official statement on Instagram.

Como shared Varane’s words on social media, and the defender replied on Instagram: “A different role for me than planned, but I can’t wait to start building together now. See you in Como soon.”

Varane to stay at Como with ‘different role’ after retirement

The club promptly replied: “Part of the Como family, see you soon.”

Varane joined Como on a free transfer last summer after the end of his contract with Manchester United.

However, he suffered a knee injury only 23 minutes into his competitive debut with his new club in a Coppa Italia game in August. Due to his injury, the 31-year-old was omitted from Como’s Serie A list.

Como, coached by Cesc Fabregas, are owned by Indonesia’s wealthiest family, the Hartono Family. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is among the shareholders. 

The Azzurri had been promoted to Serie A last season and won their first match in Italy’s top flight in 21 years, beating Atalanta 3-2 in Bergamo last night.