Raphael Varane has hailed the importance of Cesc Fabregas in convincing him to take the leap to join Serie A new boys Como.
The World Cup winner joined the Italian side as a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired this summer, becoming the club’s fourteenth signing of the window as they prepare for life back in the top flight after a 21-year absence.
The 31-year-old made 95 appearances for United before announcing his decision to leave in May this year. And while the France defender admits he did not ever envisage playing in Italy, Fabregas’ pitch presented an opportunity too good to miss.
‘My personal ambition to come here was to come and take on a new challenge. Cesc was certainly a very important person to convince me,’ Varane said at his unveiling this week.
‘It wasn’t a very particular discussion per se, we talked about football. Very simply, I liked his philosophy of play. We have many ideas in common. Cesc obviously is a person who likes to win.
Raphael Varane has explained the pivotal role Cesc Fabregas played in his move to Como
The France international won the FA Cup in his last ever outing for Manchester United
‘I never had plans to come and play here in Italy but in my career I always have to keep the doors open. The Italian league is growing, they are investing a lot of money and ambitions are very strong and high. It was a good time to come here for my career.’
Varane’s last game in a United shirt saw him lift the FA Cup as he started the 2-1 victory over Man City at Wembley.
It could be in the Coppa Italia against Sampdoria that he makes his Como debut on Sunday evening, in what is Fabregas’ first competitive match since being confirmed as head coach this summer.
And the defender insists there are plenty lessons he can take from his time in England into his new adventure.
‘I learnt a lot in England,’ he said. ‘The style was very different compared to the Spanish, one which was more direct.
‘The speed of the game was much higher and there were situations where you had to think and react very quickly and adapt to this very high tempo, which will certainly help in Italy.’
Fabregas added: ‘We are very happy to have a champion like him, he gives me confidence. As a coach I am very young and it is my first time in Serie A.
‘Our project is very ambitious and very important, I think we are working very well, and I think we have a staff that are ready to do a good job.’
