Ex-Man Utd star Raphael Varane returns to old club weeks after announcing retirement
Raphael Varane suffered a nightmare injury on his Como debut, which forced him into retirement, but the Italian club have offered him a role to remain with them
Raphael Varane has landed a new job with Como - just weeks after hanging up his boots.
The French centre-half made the move from Manchester United to the Italian outfit in the summer once his contract at Old Trafford had expired. Como have underlined their ambition and are managed by Cesc Fabregas, but their new recruit had a horror debut.
Varane has been plagued by injuries for years and sustained a severe knee injury on his debut for Como - which ultimately led him to calling it a day as a player. He spent more than 200 days on the sidelines in Manchester and those problems followed him to Italy - but he's managed to land himself work at the club.
Varane, a World Cup and Champions League winner, has been appointed as a board member with a particular focus on the running of the club's youth teams.
READ MORE: 'I wish I never joined Liverpool from Chelsea but I didn't have a choice'READ MORE: Mason Greenwood hoping for Thomas Tuchel talks ahead of possible England returnThe player - who is still only 31 - said: "Throughout my career, I've been motivated by a desire to improve and strive for excellence. Transitioning from the field to the boardroom isn't the end of my football journey; it's a new beginning that I'm looking forward to." He also claimed: "This new phase of my career feels like a second birth, not an ending. I'm not saying goodbye to football."
The Serie A new boys said in a statement: "Varane will bring his experience and leadership to this new role, marking the next chapter of his career off the pitch. He will collaborate with Osian Roberts, Como’s head of development, and Juliette Bolon, head of the education program, to support the club’s youth development efforts.
"His involvement will benefit not only the players but also the broader community through educational initiatives. By integrating academic, leadership, and vocational training into the youth programs, Varane aims to help young athletes prepare for life beyond football."
Como are embarking on their first top-flight season since 1989 but have not been quiet about their ambitions. Not only do they have Fabregas in the dugout but they also have Thierry Henry as a minor shareholder. On the pitch, they've managed to use their contacts to land ex-Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno.
Varane was due to be another headline name spearheading their efforts this season but was forced off after just 20 minutes on his debut. Como currently sit in 14th having won two, drawn three and lost three of their eight match so far this term.
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