Former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has opened up on Cesc Fabregas’ role in his surprising decision to join Serie A minnows Como this summer.
Varane arrived in Italy this summer after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer. The French center-back explained his choice in a press conference, admitting ‘other elements’ convinced him to continue his career at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
“What convinced me was the overall project,” the new Como defender said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “It was a very interesting project, but also an opportunity for me to help the club. My personal ambition was to come here and try a new challenge, to learn from it.“
Raphael Varane during his Manchester United days (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
However, Fabregas was the most influential factor in Varane’s transfer to Como. Varane credited the former Barcelona midfielder for turning down other offers to link up with Como.
“Obviously, Cesc was a very important person in that process, but it is a new challenge, with a new league, let’s just say there were all the elements required for me to come here.“
In addition to Fabregas’ influence, Varane couldn’t resist the temptation of embracing the beauties of the Lake Como. But, several discussions with the Spaniards were crucial.
“We talked about football mainly. I liked his philosophy, the ideas he proposed, because we always did and still do have many ideas in common,” Varane continued. “Cesc is someone who likes to win, so there wasn’t too much that needed to be said.“
