Raphael Varane Signs with Como: A New Chapter for the Defender

French World Cup-winner Raphael Varane has signed a two-year deal with newly-promoted Serie A club Como. The 31-year-old joins as a free agent after stints with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Manager Cesc Fabregas praises Varane's signing as ambitious. Other Premier League players also join the squad.

French defender Raphael Varane has committed to a two-year contract with Como, a newly-promoted Serie A team, with an option for extending the deal, according to the club's announcement on Sunday. The 31-year-old World Cup-winning player arrives as a free agent, having just completed a three-year tenure at Manchester United following a distinguished career with Real Madrid.

"Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club," said new Como manager Cesc Fabregas. Varane's addition continues a trend of high-profile Premier League players heading to the Italian side, including ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Alberto Moreno.

(With inputs from agencies.)