Raphael Varane has been officially presented as a new Como player, speaking at a press conference alongside club officials, coach Cesc Fabregas, and the city’s mayor. The World Cup-winning defender expressed his excitement about joining the ambitious Serie A newcomers.
Varane explained (as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport) his decision to join Como, saying, “I was convinced by the overall project, everything is very interesting. Also, the opportunity to help the club grow. I have great ambition and I’m ready for new challenges. Fabregas was very important in convincing me: we didn’t have one particular discussion. We talked about football and I really like his philosophy, we have many ideas in common.”
Regarding his physical condition, Varane assured he’s ready to start immediately: “We just need to prepare athletically and learn to play together as new teammates, trying to understand the coach’s new tactics right away. Then we’ll see game by game.”
When asked why he chose Como among many options, Varane was clear: “There’s a unique and beautiful professional environment here: my first impressions were very positive. I had never thought about playing in Italy, I always kept all doors open, but now Serie A is growing and investing a lot, the ambitions of the league and the club are very high. It was the perfect time to come here.”
Varane also commented on Como’s Serie A debut against Juventus on August 19: “It’s a very stimulating start, even though we’ll have to be prepared for all games. But starting right in Turin will be particularly exciting.”
Regarding the possibility of being captain, Varane deferred to Fabregas, who clarified: “The captain will be Gabrielloni and his vice Iovine, they are very important people for me. Then we’ll see, the list I want for who will wear the armband will consist of five players.”
Varane concluded by saying, “Everything will be new for me, but I’m ready to learn new things. I did it in Madrid, in Manchester, and I’ll do it here too.”
