Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who was a free agent after his contract with the Red Devils expired at the end of last season, has made a surprise move by signing for newly promoted Serie A side Como.

Varane, who won the World Cup with France in 2018 has also won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid. While his time at Old Trafford was badly affected by injury, he nevertheless played 68 games for the club and scored two goals.

While it was known that Varane would not be at United next season, it was anticipated that he would make a move to the Middle East or America, not lowly Como.

But confirming his decision Varane said the presence of Cesc Fabregas as Como’s manager was a major attraction for him. Fabregas was not at the helm of the Serie A side when they won promotion but was appointed a couple of weeks ago. Varane is his first major signing.

“I will meet Cesc again, but this time not as an opponent,” Varane said.

“I am very happy, I really like his playing philosophy and his passion for football,” he said.