Varane lands new Como role as welcomes 'a new beginning' after retirement

Raphael Varane has confirmed his new role at Serie A side Como after being forced into an early retirement through injury.

Varane, 31, had struggled to stay fit in recent years and suffered a serious knee injury just 20 minutes into his debut for Como in August.

The injury led to the defender subsequently being left out of the Italian side's Serie A squad, with the Frenchman officially confirming his retirement last month.

The former Man United, Real Madrid and France star had teased a future role at Como in his retirement message, confirming plans to remain in the game.

Como have now announced Varane will join the club's board and serve as an advisor on youth development, education, and product innovation.

Varane has welcomed the opportunity for a 'new beginning', stating that the role feels like a 'second birth'.

'Being a top-level sportsman comes with joy, sacrifice, and the constant drive to push beyond limits,' Varane 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.

'Joining the board of Como allows me to continue contributing to the sport while shaping its future.

'This new phase of my career feels like a second birth, not an ending. I’m not saying goodbye to football. Joining the Como 1907 Development Committee excites me, and I look forward to being part of an ambitious project that resonates with my values.

'Together, we will invest in youth development, expand educational opportunities, and innovate product solutions to bring the club’s vision to life.'

Como stated that Varane will play a long-term role in the club's plans, with the Frenchman set to support Osian Roberts and Juliette Bolon, their head of development and education programmes, respectively.

Varane's role will reportedly benefit the broader community through educational initiatives, as well as players.

The Serie A side say he will help young athletes prepare for a life beyond football through integrating academic, leadership and vocational training in their youth programmes.

Varane is one of several high-profile former players to have roles at Como, with Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry having small stakes in the club.

Varane, who came through the youth ranks at Lens, played at the top level for 14 years.

After one season in the first team with the Ligue 1 side, the central defender joined Real Madrid in 2011 aged 18.

He went on to make 360 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey, among several other trophies over a decade.

The Frenchman moved to United in 2021 and displayed his quality despite being hampered by injuries during his three years at Old Trafford.

His last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley in May, while he also won the Carabao Cup with the club.

Meanwhile, Varane shone for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph, with the defender racking up 93 caps in total for Les Bleus before he retired from international duty at the age of 29 in February 2023.