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Former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has picked up another injury. Playing for his new club, Como 1907, the Frenchman had to be taken off after just 23 minutes into his debut.
Como earned promotion to Serie A after finishing second in Serie B in the 2023-24 season. They are managed by Spaniard and former LaLiga and Premier League star Cesc Fabregas.
Varane was given his debut for the club by Fabregas in the first round of Coppa Italia away to Sampdoria. The 31-year-old complained of discomfort in his knee and had to be taken off after just 23 minutes on the field. He was later seen applying ice on his injured knee in the dugout watching his side exit the competition on penalties.
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Fans couldn't believe the Frenchman's luck with injuries and reactions started pouring in upon this news breaking.
One fan wrote that Varane should leave football:
"It's time to retire," wrote another.
However, not all messages were harsh with some offering Varane support as well.
"Injuries really robbed this generation a gem," wrote a fan.
"So unlucky," posted another.
A Manchester United supporter offered a differing view to the news.
"He is so unlucky with injuries that’s the reason we didn’t renew his contract," he posted on X.
Como are yet to assess the defender's injury and provide a timeline on his return.
Lens, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and now Como - A look at Raphael Varane's career so far
Varane, who came through the Lens youth system, moved to Real Madrid in 2011 on a six-year contract. He had a highly successful period in Spain, winning four Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles in his decade-long association with Los Blancos where he made 360 appearances.
In 2021, the centre-back signed for 20-time English champions Manchester United in a deal valued up to £40 million. He had a stop-start spell with the Red Devils, making 95 appearances in three seasons in England. In the 2022-23 season, he won the EFL Cup with the club before going out on a high with an FA Cup final victory over derby rivals Manchester City.
With his contract over at Old Trafford, Varane moved to Italy to join Cesc Fabregas' newly promoted side Como on a two-year contract.
