Raphael Varane lasted less than a half on his Como debut after being hauled off due to injury in his side’s Coppa Italia first round clash.
The 31-year-old recently linked up with the Italian top-flight newcomers on a two-year deal following his release at Manchester United.
But his debut has gotten off to the worst start possible having picked up a suspected knee knock in Sunday night’s clash away at Sampdoria.
The Frenchman walked off the pitch alongside two Como physios in the 20th minute.
Como ultimately decided against Varane returning to action, leading him to be replaced by Edoardo Goldaniga at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Shortly later, Varane was seen sitting in the dugout, where his left knee was heavily banaged.
Varane was no stranger to picking up injury setbacks during his three years spent at Old Trafford.
He never managed more than 24 Premier League appearances in each of his three seasons due to his repeated problems.
The former real Madrid centre-back was persuaded to link up with Como by ambitious manager Cesc Fabregas, who formally took charge of the club last month.
Revealing the crucial role the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder played in his free transfer, Varane said: “My personal ambition to come here was to come and take on a new challenge.
“Cesc was certainly a very important person to convince me.
“It wasn’t a very particular discussion per se, we talked about football.
“Very simply, I liked his philosophy of play. We have many ideas in common. Cesc obviously is a person who likes to win.
“I never had plans to come and play here in Italy but in my career I always have to keep the doors open.
“The Italian league is growing, they are investing a lot of money and ambitions are very strong and high. It was a good time to come here for my career.”
More to follow…
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News Summary:
- Raphael Varane’s Como debut gets off to worse start possible after just 20 minutes in Cesc Fabregas’ first match in charge
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