OFFICIAL: Raphael Varane lands new job after shock retirement

Tom Weber

19 Oct 2024 08:00 CDT
3 min read

Raphael Varane, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Raphael Varane has been officially appointed to Como's board after his surprise retirement.

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The former France international left Man Utd seemingly ahead of schedule in the summer after the shocking revelation that his contract, initially billed to run until 2025, was only guaranteed until 2024.

Rather than trigger their one-year extension, Man Utd bid farewell to Varane, who left the club in the wake of the FA Cup triumph over Man City. The ex-Real Madrid star then joined Cesc Fabregas' Serie A new boys Como but suffered a long-term knee injury just minutes into his debut.

As a result, Varane decided to call time on his illustrious career after just one game for Como. Speaking to L'Equipe earlier this week, Varane admitted that he would have preferred to stay at Man Utd and explained his decision to retire.

“Since the age of 20, I’ve played with a sword of Damocles hanging over my right knee," he said. "Managing pressure, knowing my body, knowing when to push the machine, I’ve mastered it perfectly. But over the last three years, I’ve only injured my left knee.

“My right knee had become strong, but less mobile, and my left knee did everything, for power, starts, and impulses. Physically, this injury made me go back into a spiral, and the balance between sacrifices and pleasure was no longer balanced." As soon as he felt his new problem, he "knew right away it was over."

Varane joins Como board

In said interview, the former centre-back also confirmed that, despite his retirement, he would be staying on and moving into a non-playing role at Como.

“I was looking for something special, and that's how I found Como. Como was a project that stood out, it wasn't exotic nor financially [rewarding] but humanly it made sense, and it still does since I'm going to stay by their side [in a non-playing capacity]."

Now, the Serie A side have officially announced that Varane has joined their board "to support the club’s youth development efforts." Como wrote: "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."