A number of players have left Real Madrid in recent years only to see their careers head on a downward trajectory. Some of them were even considered amongst the best in the world during their time at Santiago Bernabeu. It is a story that has been repeated time after time. And it would be safe to say that it is expected to happen in the future as well.
Raphael Varane was considered by many as the best centre-back in the world not too long ago. He had enjoyed considerable success with both Real Madrid and the France national team.
Yet, Varane has struggled since leaving Real Madrid. He joined Manchester United in the summer of 2021 and spent three underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford, never reaching the heights that were expected of him.
Now, he has completed one of the most unexpected moves in football history. As reported by Como 1907's official website, they have signed Varane on a two-year deal with an option to extend.
Italian club announce signing of Real Madrid legend
It is a move nobody could have predicted even six months back. Como were playing in the second division just last season and in the fourth tier of Italian football just five years ago.
The club have certainly witnessed a meteoric rise since then and they certainly have a lot of ambition. Varane is not the only legendary figure to be associated with the project. Their manager is Cesc Fabregas.
It remains to be seen how things go for Varane in Italy. At 31 years of age, one would think that there would have been no lack of interest in his signature despite his underwhelming spell at Manchester United. So, the decision to join Como is one that has left many fans surprised. But the Italian side certainly have an exciting project in place and a track record of recent success.