Raphael Varane admits Man Utd's 'project didn't suit me' & reveals the moment he knew his career was over after 'special' Como transfer

The Frenchman left the Premier League side in the summer after his contract expired, bringing an end to a three-year spell at Old Trafford. Despite being linked with several teams from around the world, the 31-year-old opted to join newly-promoted Serie A side Como, where Cesc Fabregas is currently coach.

Varane's spell as a Como player did not last long, though, as he went off injured just 23 minutes into his debut and subsequently announced his retirement at just 31 years old. The end to the ex-Real Madrid star's career could have gone another way, though, as his initial plan was to stay at United.

"At the start of my last season at Manchester United, I was already telling myself that I would have liked to finish there, to extend the adventure [there] a little further. It didn’t happen and the summer was very eventful," he told L'Equipe.

"I was looking for something special, and that’s how I found Como. With United, I finished with a victory in the FA Cup, but I already knew that the club’s project didn’t suit me. 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.

"I also wanted to play only once a week. After the preseason, the family was supposed to follow me to Italy, but when I got injured on the 11th of July, I knew right away that it was over. I was sure of myself, because I had anticipated it."

Varane, who won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the World Cup with France, decided to stay on at Como for the time being as his career off the field gets underway. They are currently 14th in Serie A with eight points from seven matches.